salaryColumbus is 3% 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
$1,611
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,941
$1,481
💵 Families earn per year
$101,010
$71,269
🔑 Buying a house
$555,300
$252,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.1
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,024
$3,341
⚡ Electric bill per month
$134
$123
👥 People living there
979,539
914,802
Commute to work
23.7 min
21.5 min
College degree
59.6%
38.2%
Own their home
43.4%
44.1%
Below poverty line
12%
18.1%
Unemployment
4.7%
5.1%
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,260 | $37,490 | +38% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $50,260 | $66,480 | +32% in Columbus |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,270 | $78,150 | +28% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $82,290 | $100,890 | +23% in Columbus |
| Registered Nurse | $97,890 | $83,900 | -14% in Columbus |
| Operations Manager | $117,850 | $102,590 | -13% in Columbus |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,550 | $42,970 | +11% in Columbus |
| Pharmacist | $151,290 | $133,960 | -11% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $1,932 in Austin.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Austin?
About $58,411 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 $71,269 in Columbus, 42% more in Austin.