salaryColumbus is 25% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Diego to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,314
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$131
👥 People living there
203,711
1,389,526
Commute to work
20.9 min
23.5 min
College degree
30.5%
51%
Own their home
50.8%
47.3%
Below poverty line
19%
11%
Unemployment
6.3%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $49,990 | $110,400 | +121% in San Diego |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,800 | $35,850 | +72% in San Diego |
| Lawyer | $104,120 | $178,220 | +71% in San Diego |
| Registered Nurse | $82,500 | $139,520 | +69% in San Diego |
| Carpenter | $45,070 | $73,200 | +62% in San Diego |
| HVAC Technician | $46,780 | $74,880 | +60% in San Diego |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,360 | $97,000 | +58% in San Diego |
| Dental Hygienist | $80,240 | $123,790 | +54% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 25% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $75,179 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or San Diego?
The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $116,561 in San Diego, 46% more in San Diego.