Can You Afford to Live in Columbus on $125,000?
✅ Yes, Comfortably
Yes — $125K provides a comfortable lifestyle in Columbus with room to save.
Monthly After Tax
$7,708
Total Expenses
$2,998
Remaining
$4,710
Savings Rate
61%
Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Monthly Cost | % of Income | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR avg) | $1,295 | 17% | |
| Groceries | $433 | 6% | |
| Utilities | $212 | 3% | |
| Transportation | $427 | 6% | |
| Car Insurance | $132 | 2% | |
| Health Insurance | $499 | 6% | |
| Total Expenses | $2,998 | 39% | |
| Remaining (Savings + Discretionary) | $4,710 | 61% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the budget calculated?
We start with the gross salary ($125,000), subtract estimated federal and OH state taxes (effective rate ~26%), then allocate expenses based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey proportions adjusted by Columbus's cost-of-living index (92).
What's not included in the budget?
This budget covers major fixed expenses: rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, car insurance, and health insurance. It does NOT include: dining out, entertainment, clothing, student loans, childcare, savings contributions, or other discretionary spending. The "remaining" amount covers all of these.