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Columbus vs San Francisco: which is cheaper?

Columbus is 29% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

I need $77,683 in San Francisco to live the same way.

🏠 Rent per month
$1,314
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$104
👥 People living there
203,711
830,235
Commute to work
20.9 min
30.4 min
College degree
30.5%
60.3%
Own their home
50.8%
38.2%
Below poverty line
19%
11.2%
Unemployment
6.3%
6.1%

Bottom line

Pay for the same job

JobColumbusSan FranciscoDifference
Police Officer$49,990$132,000+164% in San Francisco
Firefighter$48,770$113,700+133% in San Francisco
Registered Nurse$82,500$186,610+126% in San Francisco
Lawyer$104,120$212,500+104% in San Francisco
Carpenter$45,070$89,200+98% in San Francisco
Server (Waiter/Waitress)$20,800$38,860+87% in San Francisco
Electrician$50,730$92,830+83% in San Francisco
Dental Hygienist$80,240$146,760+83% in San Francisco

Frequently asked questions

Is Columbus or San Francisco cheaper to live in?

Columbus is about 29% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.

What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Columbus?

About $77,683 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.

Where do people earn more, Columbus or San Francisco?

The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $152,036 in San Francisco, 59% more in San Francisco.

More comparisons

All Columbus comparisons → · All San Francisco comparisons →

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