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
$1,291
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,126
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$49,666
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$158,800
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.6
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$997
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$175
$173
👥 People living there
198,173
203,711
Commute to work
20.8 min
20.9 min
College degree
31.1%
30.5%
Own their home
45.5%
50.8%
Below poverty line
24.7%
19%
Unemployment
5.8%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Birmingham for lower rent, cheaper homes, shorter commutes and 2 more.
- Pick Columbus for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Birmingham | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $170,230 | $104,120 | -39% in Columbus |
| Operations Manager | $123,560 | $82,330 | -33% in Columbus |
| Dental Hygienist | $61,730 | $80,240 | +30% in Columbus |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,670 | $20,800 | -25% in Columbus |
| Plumber | $60,090 | $47,410 | -21% in Columbus |
| Civil Engineer | $97,420 | $77,600 | -20% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $60,590 | $49,990 | -17% in Columbus |
| Nurse Practitioner | $107,700 | $121,530 | +13% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,291 in Birmingham.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Birmingham?
About $58,463 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Birmingham or Columbus?
The typical household earns $49,666 in Birmingham and $62,632 in Columbus, 21% more in Columbus.