salaryColumbus is 14% 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
$1,983
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$173
👥 People living there
2,711,226
203,711
Commute to work
33.1 min
20.9 min
College degree
44.3%
30.5%
Own their home
46%
50.8%
Below poverty line
16.8%
19%
Unemployment
8%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago 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 | Chicago | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $103,380 | $47,410 | -54% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $49,990 | -54% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $50,730 | -50% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $45,070 | -44% in Columbus |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $48,770 | -41% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $46,780 | -40% in Columbus |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $104,120 | -37% in Columbus |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $20,800 | -33% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 14% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $51,718 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Columbus?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $62,632 in Columbus, 34% more in Chicago.