salaryColumbus is 9% 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
$1,611
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,565
$1,481
💵 Families earn per year
$111,392
$71,269
🔑 Buying a house
$395,900
$252,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
105.4
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,982
$3,341
⚡ Electric bill per month
$136
$123
👥 People living there
288,976
914,802
Commute to work
18.8 min
21.5 min
College degree
38.7%
38.2%
Own their home
63.9%
44.1%
Below poverty line
8.9%
18.1%
Unemployment
4.6%
5.1%
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $26,080 | $37,490 | +44% in Columbus |
| Plumber | $93,600 | $63,260 | -32% in Columbus |
| Registered Nurse | $115,290 | $83,900 | -27% in Columbus |
| Dental Hygienist | $132,740 | $96,880 | -27% in Columbus |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $82,330 | $61,910 | -25% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $85,620 | $64,440 | -25% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $82,440 | $64,700 | -22% in Columbus |
| Nurse Practitioner | $157,430 | $124,580 | -21% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Anchorage or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $1,651 in Anchorage.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Anchorage?
About $54,336 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 $71,269 in Columbus, 56% more in Anchorage.