WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Boston, MA vs Columbus, OH

Boston, MA vs Columbus, OH: cost of living on $120,000

Columbus, OH +$22,216/yr On $120,000, Boston, MA leaves $47,327/yr in pocket vs Columbus, OH's $69,543 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000Boston, MAColumbus, OH
Federal + FICA (est.)$29,580$29,580
State income tax$6,000 (5%)$4,200 (3.50%)
After-tax income$84,420$86,220
− Housing/yr (Zillow)$37,093$16,677
Real money in pocket$47,327$69,543

· State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Boston, MA or Columbus, OH cheaper?
On $120,000, Columbus, OH — by $22,216/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?
State income tax (Massachusetts 5% vs Ohio 3.50%) and housing cost.

See also: FIRE in Boston, MA · salary to buy in Boston, MA · compare other cities →

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