salaryColumbus is 12% 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
$1,611
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,481
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$71,269
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$252,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$3,341
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$123
👥 People living there
666,442
914,802
Commute to work
30.3 min
21.5 min
College degree
54.9%
38.2%
Own their home
35.7%
44.1%
Below poverty line
16.6%
18.1%
Unemployment
6.1%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $96,760 | $63,260 | -35% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $78,180 | $100,890 | +29% in Columbus |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | $122,340 | -26% in Columbus |
| Lawyer | $183,350 | $137,810 | -25% in Columbus |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $77,010 | -25% in Columbus |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $82,190 | $61,910 | -25% in Columbus |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | $102,590 | -23% in Columbus |
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | $83,900 | -21% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $52,908 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 $71,269 in Columbus, 47% more in Boston.