salaryColumbus is 18% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Portland to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,314
$1,874
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$1,915
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$98,056
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$581,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
105.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$5,743
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$106
👥 People living there
203,711
641,165
Commute to work
20.9 min
24.1 min
College degree
30.5%
53.8%
Own their home
50.8%
52%
Below poverty line
19%
12.7%
Unemployment
6.3%
5.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Portland for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,800 | $54,780 | +163% in Portland |
| Plumber | $47,410 | $101,010 | +113% in Portland |
| Electrician | $50,730 | $105,090 | +107% in Portland |
| Police Officer | $49,990 | $97,200 | +94% in Portland |
| Firefighter | $48,770 | $85,170 | +75% in Portland |
| Carpenter | $45,070 | $73,710 | +64% in Portland |
| Registered Nurse | $82,500 | $130,310 | +58% in Portland |
| Medical Assistant | $36,050 | $56,240 | +56% in Portland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Portland cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 18% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,874 in Portland.
What salary do I need in Portland to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $70,835 a year gives the same standard of living in Portland.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Portland?
The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $98,056 in Portland, 36% more in Portland.