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
$1,983
$1,611
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,481
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$71,269
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$252,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$3,341
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$123
👥 People living there
2,711,226
914,802
Commute to work
33.1 min
21.5 min
College degree
44.3%
38.2%
Own their home
46%
44.1%
Below poverty line
16.8%
18.1%
Unemployment
8%
5.1%
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 | $63,260 | -39% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $64,700 | -37% in Columbus |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $61,780 | -25% in Columbus |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $78,070 | $61,910 | -21% in Columbus |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $37,490 | +20% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $66,480 | -17% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $64,440 | -17% in Columbus |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $137,810 | -17% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $55,294 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 $71,269 in Columbus, 18% more in Chicago.