salaryColumbus is 11% 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
$2,018
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$173
👥 People living there
411,986
203,711
Commute to work
23.6 min
20.9 min
College degree
23.6%
30.5%
Own their home
60.6%
50.8%
Below poverty line
16.3%
19%
Unemployment
7%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for higher incomes, less poverty.
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistant | $198,070 | $117,030 | -41% in Columbus |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $34,320 | $20,800 | -39% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $78,130 | $49,990 | -36% in Columbus |
| Registered Nurse | $128,810 | $82,500 | -36% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $75,860 | $50,730 | -33% in Columbus |
| Firefighter | $72,410 | $48,770 | -33% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $66,540 | $45,070 | -32% in Columbus |
| Lawyer | $150,900 | $104,120 | -31% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 11% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $2,018 in Bakersfield.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $53,107 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or Columbus?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $62,632 in Columbus, 39% more in Bakersfield.