salaryColumbus is 16% 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
$1,611
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$168
👥 People living there
914,802
990,138
Commute to work
21.5 min
27.3 min
College degree
38.2%
47.3%
Own their home
44.1%
55.8%
Below poverty line
18.1%
8.1%
Unemployment
5.1%
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.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $83,900 | $216,740 | +158% in San Jose |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $152,100 | +146% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $137,810 | $301,320 | +119% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,580 | $231,560 | +86% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $77,010 | $141,960 | +84% in San Jose |
| Software Developer | $122,340 | $213,110 | +74% in San Jose |
| Plumber | $63,260 | $107,560 | +70% in San Jose |
| Physician Assistant | $137,550 | $223,640 | +63% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 16% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $69,398 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or San Jose?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $157,922 in San Jose, 55% more in San Jose.