salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Madison to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,611
$1,723
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$1,628
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$84,177
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$372,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
97.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$6,541
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$120
👥 People living there
914,802
278,001
Commute to work
21.5 min
19.4 min
College degree
38.2%
59.9%
Own their home
44.1%
46%
Below poverty line
18.1%
16.4%
Unemployment
5.1%
2.7%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Madison for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $63,260 | $85,160 | +35% in Madison |
| Operations Manager | $102,590 | $126,620 | +23% in Madison |
| Electrician | $64,700 | $78,430 | +21% in Madison |
| Registered Nurse | $83,900 | $101,190 | +21% in Madison |
| Police Officer | $100,890 | $80,580 | -20% in Madison |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,150 | $63,690 | -19% in Madison |
| Pharmacist | $133,960 | $158,120 | +18% in Madison |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | $30,910 | -18% in Madison |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Madison cheaper to live in?
Columbus and Madison cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Madison to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $61,143 a year gives the same standard of living in Madison.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Madison?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $84,177 in Madison, 15% more in Madison.