salaryColumbus is 15% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Philadelphia to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,314
$1,814
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$1,623
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$66,816
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$243,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
102.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$2,003
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$112
👥 People living there
203,711
1,579,706
Commute to work
20.9 min
31.7 min
College degree
30.5%
35.4%
Own their home
50.8%
51.8%
Below poverty line
19%
21.4%
Unemployment
6.3%
8.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick Philadelphia for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $49,990 | $89,580 | +79% in Philadelphia |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,800 | $36,570 | +76% in Philadelphia |
| Lawyer | $104,120 | $170,660 | +64% in Philadelphia |
| Firefighter | $48,770 | $78,050 | +60% in Philadelphia |
| Plumber | $47,410 | $74,860 | +58% in Philadelphia |
| Operations Manager | $82,330 | $121,630 | +48% in Philadelphia |
| Electrician | $50,730 | $74,590 | +47% in Philadelphia |
| HVAC Technician | $46,780 | $64,580 | +38% in Philadelphia |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,814 in Philadelphia.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $68,908 a year gives the same standard of living in Philadelphia.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Philadelphia?
The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $66,816 in Philadelphia, 6% more in Philadelphia.