salaryColumbus is 7% 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
$1,397
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,121
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$53,969
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$164,200
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.8
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,622
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$99
$173
👥 People living there
276,854
203,711
Commute to work
19.9 min
20.9 min
College degree
31.2%
30.5%
Own their home
43%
50.8%
Below poverty line
26%
19%
Unemployment
7.3%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Buffalo for cheaper homes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Buffalo | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $46,580 | $20,800 | -55% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $80,950 | $49,990 | -38% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $77,930 | $50,730 | -35% in Columbus |
| Firefighter | $74,470 | $48,770 | -35% in Columbus |
| Plumber | $72,230 | $47,410 | -34% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $63,500 | $45,070 | -29% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $62,180 | $46,780 | -25% in Columbus |
| Lawyer | $130,800 | $104,120 | -20% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,397 in Buffalo.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Buffalo?
About $55,901 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Buffalo or Columbus?
The typical household earns $53,969 in Buffalo and $62,632 in Columbus, 14% more in Columbus.