salaryColumbus is 15% 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
$1,651
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,565
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$111,392
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$395,900
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
105.4
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,982
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$136
$173
👥 People living there
288,976
203,711
Commute to work
18.8 min
20.9 min
College degree
38.7%
30.5%
Own their home
63.9%
50.8%
Below poverty line
8.9%
19%
Unemployment
4.6%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Anchorage for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Anchorage | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $115,020 | $49,990 | -57% in Columbus |
| Plumber | $93,600 | $47,410 | -49% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $85,620 | $46,780 | -45% in Columbus |
| Dental Hygienist | $132,740 | $80,240 | -40% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $82,440 | $50,730 | -38% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $72,800 | $45,070 | -38% in Columbus |
| Lawyer | $153,590 | $104,120 | -32% in Columbus |
| Operations Manager | $120,030 | $82,330 | -31% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Anchorage or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,651 in Anchorage.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Anchorage?
About $50,823 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Anchorage or Columbus?
The typical household earns $111,392 in Anchorage and $62,632 in Columbus, 78% more in Anchorage.