salaryColumbus is 5% 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
$1,277
$1,314
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,056
$1,116
💵 Families earn per year
$44,004
$62,632
🔑 Buying a house
$102,000
$193,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
93.9
89.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,759
$1,660
⚡ Electric bill per month
$94
$173
👥 People living there
366,097
203,711
Commute to work
22.5 min
20.9 min
College degree
22.4%
30.5%
Own their home
41.7%
50.8%
Below poverty line
30.6%
19%
Unemployment
10.8%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Cleveland for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Columbus for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Cleveland | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,260 | $20,800 | -43% in Columbus |
| Police Officer | $80,280 | $49,990 | -38% in Columbus |
| Electrician | $70,860 | $50,730 | -28% in Columbus |
| Carpenter | $60,650 | $45,070 | -26% in Columbus |
| HVAC Technician | $62,790 | $46,780 | -25% in Columbus |
| Plumber | $63,020 | $47,410 | -25% in Columbus |
| Lawyer | $134,680 | $104,120 | -23% in Columbus |
| Firefighter | $62,720 | $48,770 | -22% in Columbus |
Frequently asked questions
Is Cleveland or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,277 in Cleveland.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match $60,000 in Cleveland?
About $57,044 a year gives the same standard of living in Columbus.
Where do people earn more, Cleveland or Columbus?
The typical household earns $44,004 in Cleveland and $62,632 in Columbus, 30% more in Columbus.