Moving from Amsterdam to Columbus (2026)

Columbus has a COL index of 83 vs 85 for Amsterdam (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$2,294/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
85 โ†’ 83
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800 โ†’ $1,100
per month
State tax
31% โ†’ 5.5%
income tax
COL difference
85 โ†’ 83
2% cheaper

Salary needed in Columbus to match your Amsterdam lifestyle

Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in AmsterdamEquivalent in Columbus
$40K$39,290
$50K$49,112
$60K$58,935
$75K$73,669
$80K$78,580
$100K$98,225
$120K$117,870
$150K$147,337

Adjust your salary

Save ~$769/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Amsterdam vs Columbus

ExpenseAmsterdamColumbus
Monthly take-home$3,000$4,397
1BR rent$1,800$1,100
Groceries$380$353
Transport$150$40
Utilities$110$160
Internet$40$58
Left after essentials$520$2,686

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $769 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$938,158

over 30 years compared to staying in Amsterdam โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$769/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Columbus cheaper than Amsterdam?

Yes. Columbus has a cost of living index of 83 vs 85 for Amsterdam (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Amsterdam to Columbus?

On a $75K salary, moving from Amsterdam to Columbus saves roughly $2,294/month on core expenses. That's ~$27,528/year.

What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Amsterdam lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Amsterdam, you'd need roughly $73,669/year in Columbus. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only