salaryColumbus is 16% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Seattle to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,611
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$109
👥 People living there
914,802
754,195
Commute to work
21.5 min
26 min
College degree
38.2%
68.4%
Own their home
44.1%
43.7%
Below poverty line
18.1%
9.9%
Unemployment
5.1%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Seattle for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $101,090 | +64% in Seattle |
| Electrician | $64,700 | $101,780 | +57% in Seattle |
| Registered Nurse | $83,900 | $128,260 | +53% in Seattle |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | $57,280 | +53% in Seattle |
| Plumber | $63,260 | $95,230 | +51% in Seattle |
| Cashier | $30,140 | $44,210 | +47% in Seattle |
| Operations Manager | $102,590 | $146,030 | +42% in Seattle |
| Medical Assistant | $44,140 | $61,500 | +39% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 16% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $2,273 in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $69,844 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Seattle?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $133,583 in Seattle, 47% more in Seattle.