salaryColumbus is 24% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Jose to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,314
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$168
👥 People living there
203,711
990,138
Commute to work
20.9 min
27.3 min
College degree
30.5%
47.3%
Own their home
50.8%
55.8%
Below poverty line
19%
8.1%
Unemployment
6.3%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Jose for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $48,770 | $152,100 | +212% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $104,120 | $301,320 | +189% in San Jose |
| Police Officer | $49,990 | $136,140 | +172% in San Jose |
| Registered Nurse | $82,500 | $216,740 | +163% in San Jose |
| Plumber | $47,410 | $107,560 | +127% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $68,080 | $141,960 | +109% in San Jose |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,800 | $41,920 | +102% in San Jose |
| Operations Manager | $82,330 | $163,860 | +99% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 24% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $74,196 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or San Jose?
The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $157,922 in San Jose, 60% more in San Jose.