Moving from Buffalo to Columbus (2026)
Columbus has a COL index of 83 vs 90 for Buffalo (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$245/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9083
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,250$1,100
per month
State tax
6.9%5.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,309$4,397
per month
Salary needed in Columbus to match your Buffalo lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Buffalo | Equivalent in Columbus |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,889 |
| $50K | $46,111 |
| $60K | $55,333 |
| $75K | $69,167 |
| $80K | $73,778 |
| $100K | $92,222 |
| $120K | $110,667 |
| $150K | $138,333 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Buffalo vs Columbus
| Expense | Buffalo | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,397 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $384 | $353 |
| Transport | $72 | $40 |
| Utilities | $185 | $160 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,353 | $2,686 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus cheaper than Buffalo?
Yes. Columbus has a cost of living index of 83 vs 90 for Buffalo (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Buffalo to Columbus?
On a $75K salary, moving from Buffalo to Columbus could save roughly $245/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,940/year.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Buffalo lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Buffalo, you'd need roughly $69,167/year in Columbus. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbus to BuffaloBuffalo vs Columbus — full comparisonBuffalo cost of livingColumbus cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only