Moving from Durham to Columbus (2026)
Columbus has a COL index of 91 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$533/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10291
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,250
per month
State tax
4.5%3%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,553
per month
Salary needed in Columbus to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Columbus |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,686 |
| $50K | $44,608 |
| $60K | $53,529 |
| $75K | $66,912 |
| $80K | $71,373 |
| $100K | $89,216 |
| $120K | $107,059 |
| $150K | $133,824 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Columbus
| Expense | Durham | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,553 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $82 | $62 |
| Utilities | $155 | $155 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,665 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Columbus has a cost of living index of 91 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Columbus?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Columbus could save roughly $533/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,396/year.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $66,912/year in Columbus. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbus to DurhamDurham vs Columbus — full comparisonDurham 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