FIRE in Columbus, OH

Local insight: What makes this city unique for FIRE isn't obvious from census data alone. After running detailed cost analysis and factoring in local tax quirks, healthcare variability, and housing market dynamics, I've found the standard FIRE formulas need significant adjustment for local conditions.

Columbus is a FIRE sleeper: Intel's $20 billion semiconductor plant is transforming the economy, while housing costs remain among the lowest of any major metro.

Category Monthly Cost
Housing (1BR) $1,250
Food $400
Transportation $270
Healthcare $410
Utilities $200
Entertainment $280
Total $2,810

Median home: $290,000. FIRE number: $843,000 (Lean), $1,180,000 (Traditional). OH flat 2.75% income tax (HB 96, 2024).

Tax Reality

OH flat 2.75% income tax (HB 96). Columbus adds 2.5% city income tax. Property tax ~1.5% effective (Franklin County). Sales tax 7.5%.

Neighborhood Breakdown

Neighborhood 1BR Rent Median Home Walk Score Transit Score Vibe
German Village / Schumacher Place $1,400-1,900 $$400-550K 75 35 Brick streets, historic, walkable, downtown
Clintonville $1,200-1,600 $$350-480K 60 25 Family-friendly, quirky, good schools
Short North / Italian Village $1,500-2,000 $$420-550K 90 45 Art galleries, dining, high walk score
Dublin / Hilliard (suburbs) $1,400-1,800 $$400-500K 25 10 Top schools, safe, commute 25min

Local Considerations

Intel $20B fab is transforming the economy — expect salary growth but also housing appreciation. Ohio State University provides healthcare and cultural amenities. Columbus is the fastest-growing city in the Midwest — one of the best cities for FIRE to get in before prices catch up.

Cost data from Zillow Rental Market Report (Q1 2026) and Redfin Data Center. Tax rates from official state Department of Revenue publications for 2026.

Calculate Your [FIRE number](/learn/blog/how-to-calculate-fire-number/) Savings Rate Calculator