salaryColumbus is 7% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Philadelphia to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,611
$1,814
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$1,623
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$66,816
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$243,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
102.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$2,003
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$112
👥 People living there
914,802
1,579,706
Commute to work
21.5 min
31.7 min
College degree
38.2%
35.4%
Own their home
44.1%
51.8%
Below poverty line
18.1%
21.4%
Unemployment
5.1%
8.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 4 more.
- Pick Philadelphia for cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $78,050 | +26% in Philadelphia |
| Lawyer | $137,810 | $170,660 | +24% in Philadelphia |
| Registered Nurse | $83,900 | $101,180 | +21% in Philadelphia |
| Operations Manager | $102,590 | $121,630 | +19% in Philadelphia |
| Plumber | $63,260 | $74,860 | +18% in Philadelphia |
| Electrician | $64,700 | $74,590 | +15% in Philadelphia |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $61,910 | $70,710 | +14% in Philadelphia |
| Police Officer | $100,890 | $89,580 | -11% in Philadelphia |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $1,814 in Philadelphia.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $64,453 a year gives the same standard of living in Philadelphia.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Philadelphia?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $66,816 in Philadelphia, 7% more in Columbus.