Is San Antonio, TX or Columbus, OH cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

San Antonio, TX leaves you more: $6,862/yr. On $120,000, San Antonio, TX leaves $76,405/yr in pocket (state tax $0, housing $14,015) vs Columbus, OH's $69,543 (state tax $4,200, housing $16,677).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Texas: 0% vs Ohio: 3.50%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › San Antonio, TX vs Columbus, OH

San Antonio, TX vs Columbus, OH: cost of living on $120,000

San Antonio, TX +$6,862/yr On $120,000, San Antonio, TX leaves $76,405/yr in pocket vs Columbus, OH's $69,543 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	San Antonio, TX	Columbus, OH
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$0 (0%)	$4,200 (3.50%)
After-tax income	$90,420	$86,220
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$14,015	$16,677
Real money in pocket	$76,405	$69,543

Verified 2026-06-23 · 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 San Antonio, TX or Columbus, OH cheaper?: On $120,000, San Antonio, TX — by $6,862/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Texas 0% vs Ohio 3.50%) and housing cost.

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