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
$1,932
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,941
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$101,010
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$555,300
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.1
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,024
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$134
$173
👥 People living there
979,539
203,711
Commute to work
23.7 min
20.9 min
College degree
59.6%
30.5%
Own their home
43.4%
50.8%
Below poverty line
12%
19%
Unemployment
4.7%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Austin for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Austin | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $82,290 | $49,990 | -39% in Columbus |
| Lawyer | $153,330 | $104,120 | -32% in Columbus |
| Operations Manager | $117,850 | $82,330 | -30% in Columbus |
| Plumber | $62,810 | $47,410 | -25% in Columbus |
| Dental Hygienist | $105,480 | $80,240 | -24% in Columbus |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,260 | $20,800 | -24% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $60,820 | $46,780 | -23% in Columbus |
| Civil Engineer | $100,470 | $77,600 | -23% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,932 in Austin.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Austin?
About $54,634 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Austin or Columbus?
The typical household earns $101,010 in Austin and $62,632 in Columbus, 61% more in Austin.