Columbus is 29% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need 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
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 →