salaryColumbus is 21% 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
$1,611
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$104
👥 People living there
914,802
830,235
Commute to work
21.5 min
30.4 min
College degree
38.2%
60.3%
Own their home
44.1%
38.2%
Below poverty line
18.1%
11.2%
Unemployment
5.1%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $83,900 | $186,610 | +122% in San Francisco |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $113,700 | +84% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,580 | $219,080 | +76% in San Francisco |
| Market Research Analyst | $77,010 | $123,250 | +60% in San Francisco |
| Lawyer | $137,810 | $212,500 | +54% in San Francisco |
| Software Developer | $122,340 | $186,640 | +53% in San Francisco |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $61,910 | $94,310 | +52% in San Francisco |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,880 | $146,760 | +51% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 21% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $72,660 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $152,036 in San Francisco, 53% more in San Francisco.
More comparisons
All Columbus comparisons → · All San Francisco comparisons →