salaryColumbus is 15% 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
$1,619
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,479
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$67,058
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$229,600
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
104.5
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,354
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$173
👥 People living there
573,243
203,711
Commute to work
29.1 min
20.9 min
College degree
36.1%
30.5%
Own their home
47.5%
50.8%
Below poverty line
19.7%
19%
Unemployment
6.5%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Baltimore for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Baltimore | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,170 | $20,800 | -42% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $76,530 | $49,990 | -35% in Columbus |
| Firefighter | $73,810 | $48,770 | -34% in Columbus |
| Dental Hygienist | $116,130 | $80,240 | -31% in Columbus |
| Operations Manager | $117,040 | $82,330 | -30% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $62,380 | $45,070 | -28% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $63,180 | $46,780 | -26% in Columbus |
| Plumber | $63,200 | $47,410 | -25% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Baltimore or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,619 in Baltimore.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Baltimore?
About $51,277 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Baltimore or Columbus?
The typical household earns $67,058 in Baltimore and $62,632 in Columbus, 7% more in Baltimore.