salaryColumbus is 8% 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
$1,881
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,690
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$88,510
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$385,700
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.3
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,808
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$126
$173
👥 People living there
903,844
203,711
Commute to work
24.7 min
20.9 min
College degree
48%
30.5%
Own their home
51%
50.8%
Below poverty line
11.7%
19%
Unemployment
4.6%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Charlotte 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 | Charlotte | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,430 | $20,800 | -43% in Columbus |
| Lawyer | $157,180 | $104,120 | -34% in Columbus |
| Operations Manager | $112,730 | $82,330 | -27% in Columbus |
| Firefighter | $38,700 | $48,770 | +26% in Columbus |
| Civil Engineer | $102,370 | $77,600 | -24% in Columbus |
| Medical Assistant | $46,520 | $36,050 | -23% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $59,840 | $46,780 | -22% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $63,190 | $49,990 | -21% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlotte or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,881 in Charlotte.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Charlotte?
About $55,037 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Charlotte or Columbus?
The typical household earns $88,510 in Charlotte and $62,632 in Columbus, 41% more in Charlotte.