salaryColumbus is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Madison to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,314
$1,723
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$1,628
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$84,177
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$372,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
97.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$6,541
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$120
👥 People living there
203,711
278,001
Commute to work
20.9 min
19.4 min
College degree
30.5%
59.9%
Own their home
50.8%
46%
Below poverty line
19%
16.4%
Unemployment
6.3%
2.7%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Madison for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $47,410 | $85,160 | +80% in Madison |
| Police Officer | $49,990 | $80,580 | +61% in Madison |
| Electrician | $50,730 | $78,430 | +55% in Madison |
| Operations Manager | $82,330 | $126,620 | +54% in Madison |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,800 | $30,910 | +49% in Madison |
| Carpenter | $45,070 | $63,480 | +41% in Madison |
| Medical Assistant | $36,050 | $48,750 | +35% in Madison |
| HVAC Technician | $46,780 | $63,150 | +35% in Madison |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Madison cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,723 in Madison.
What salary do I need in Madison to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $65,369 a year gives the same standard of living in Madison.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Madison?
The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $84,177 in Madison, 26% more in Madison.