Yes, Ohio has state income tax; in my opinion, though, the cost of living is inherently less expensive than most metro areas of Texas. And I know it doesn't make up for the addition of income tax, but the sales tax is less. That CNN money quote is amazing; there are many areas of Columbus (or easily commute-able) where your $:$ value will get you just as far if not farther than it did in Tyler. I live on significantly less in a nice suburb with a 10-min. commute to work. My car insurance dropped to 25% of what I paid in Texas (north Dallas burb) for the same vehicle. And I realize the cost comparison was (where you're moving from) to (where you're moving to), but honestly, the whole population of Tyler could fit in Ohio Stadium with enough seats left over to invite the entire student population of the six or more top public high schools of Columbus proper, so you are moving to a town that is nearly 10 times larger. Columbus was a CNN/Money.com Top 10 in 2006 and probably more comparable to Tyler than you would think (lots of tabbed info at
http://tinyurl.com/6bz8gl). Things money can't buy: four distinct seasons, a very diverse population, and you can be in any of 5 other states within 3 hours. And Buckeye Fever if that's your thing. Everything can cost more, and everything can cost less. In the end, it all depends on the lifestyle you want and how you want to be catered to. Check out city-data.com for in-depth comparisons. I have nothing to sell you... I'm just a happy Ohioan.
- Sat Apr 26 2008, 04:54