salaryColumbus is 3% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Raleigh to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,611
$1,822
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$1,658
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$92,099
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$415,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
98.2
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$3,048
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$133
👥 People living there
914,802
481,031
Commute to work
21.5 min
23 min
College degree
38.2%
54%
Own their home
44.1%
50.7%
Below poverty line
18.1%
11.9%
Unemployment
5.1%
4.4%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Raleigh for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $100,890 | $65,860 | -35% in Raleigh |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $45,640 | -26% in Raleigh |
| Carpenter | $66,480 | $50,820 | -24% in Raleigh |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,150 | $60,170 | -23% in Raleigh |
| Truck Driver | $61,720 | $52,110 | -16% in Raleigh |
| Electrician | $64,700 | $56,800 | -12% in Raleigh |
| Operations Manager | $102,590 | $114,940 | +12% in Raleigh |
| Physician Assistant | $137,550 | $124,300 | -10% in Raleigh |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $1,822 in Raleigh.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $61,689 a year gives the same standard of living in Raleigh.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Raleigh?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $92,099 in Raleigh, 23% more in Raleigh.