salaryColumbus is 5% 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
$1,999
$1,611
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,921
$1,481
💵 Families earn per year
$92,376
$71,269
🔑 Buying a house
$439,600
$252,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.1
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,231
$3,341
⚡ Electric bill per month
$128
$123
👥 People living there
505,268
914,802
Commute to work
26.5 min
21.5 min
College degree
59.2%
38.2%
Own their home
46.4%
44.1%
Below poverty line
16.9%
18.1%
Unemployment
5.9%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Atlanta for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Atlanta | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $18,460 | $37,490 | +103% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $60,910 | $100,890 | +66% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $50,680 | $66,480 | +31% in Columbus |
| Firefighter | $47,300 | $61,780 | +31% in Columbus |
| Physician Assistant | $111,810 | $137,550 | +23% in Columbus |
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $83,900 | -17% in Columbus |
| Civil Engineer | $88,000 | $99,010 | +13% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $58,650 | $64,700 | +10% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Atlanta or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $1,999 in Atlanta.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Atlanta?
About $57,248 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Atlanta or Columbus?
The typical household earns $92,376 in Atlanta and $71,269 in Columbus, 30% more in Atlanta.