salaryColumbus is 4% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Columbus to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,129
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,068
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$51,850
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$122,000
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
93.4
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,950
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$97
$173
👥 People living there
189,247
203,711
Commute to work
22.2 min
20.9 min
College degree
23.6%
30.5%
Own their home
50.7%
50.8%
Below poverty line
23.3%
19%
Unemployment
7.8%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Akron for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Columbus for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Akron | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,150 | $20,800 | -42% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $77,360 | $50,730 | -34% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $74,650 | $49,990 | -33% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $61,070 | $45,070 | -26% in Columbus |
| Plumber | $63,450 | $47,410 | -25% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $61,090 | $46,780 | -23% in Columbus |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,560 | $61,360 | -22% in Columbus |
| Truck Driver | $60,210 | $47,570 | -21% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Akron or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,129 in Akron.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Akron?
About $57,382 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Akron or Columbus?
The typical household earns $51,850 in Akron and $62,632 in Columbus, 17% more in Columbus.