salaryColumbus is 18% 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
$3,112
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$173
👥 People living there
666,442
203,711
Commute to work
30.3 min
20.9 min
College degree
54.9%
30.5%
Own their home
35.7%
50.8%
Below poverty line
16.6%
19%
Unemployment
6.1%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston 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 | Boston | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $96,760 | $47,410 | -51% in Columbus |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | $20,800 | -47% in Columbus |
| Lawyer | $183,350 | $104,120 | -43% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | $46,780 | -40% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $75,210 | $45,070 | -40% in Columbus |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | $82,330 | -38% in Columbus |
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $61,360 | -37% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $79,910 | $50,730 | -37% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 18% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $49,487 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Columbus?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $62,632 in Columbus, 68% more in Boston.