salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$1,611
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,121
$1,481
💵 Families earn per year
$53,969
$71,269
🔑 Buying a house
$164,200
$252,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.8
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,622
$3,341
⚡ Electric bill per month
$99
$123
👥 People living there
276,854
914,802
Commute to work
19.9 min
21.5 min
College degree
31.2%
38.2%
Own their home
43%
44.1%
Below poverty line
26%
18.1%
Unemployment
7.3%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Buffalo for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Columbus for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Buffalo | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $80,950 | $100,890 | +25% in Columbus |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $46,580 | $37,490 | -20% in Columbus |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,470 | $96,880 | +17% in Columbus |
| Firefighter | $74,470 | $61,780 | -17% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $77,930 | $64,700 | -17% in Columbus |
| Registered Nurse | $99,060 | $83,900 | -15% in Columbus |
| Plumber | $72,230 | $63,260 | -12% in Columbus |
| Cashier | $33,850 | $30,140 | -11% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Buffalo and Columbus cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Buffalo?
About $59,765 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 $71,269 in Columbus, 24% more in Columbus.