Moving from Lafayette to Columbus (2026)
Columbus has a COL index of 83 vs 85 for Lafayette (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$58/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8583
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,100$1,100
per month
State tax
4.3%5.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,472$4,397
per month
Salary needed in Columbus to match your Lafayette lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Lafayette | Equivalent in Columbus |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,059 |
| $50K | $48,824 |
| $60K | $58,588 |
| $75K | $73,235 |
| $80K | $78,118 |
| $100K | $97,647 |
| $120K | $117,176 |
| $150K | $146,471 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Lafayette vs Columbus
| Expense | Lafayette | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,472 | $4,397 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $361 | $353 |
| Transport | $42 | $40 |
| Utilities | $208 | $160 |
| Internet | $58 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,703 | $2,686 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus cheaper than Lafayette?
Yes. Columbus has a cost of living index of 83 vs 85 for Lafayette (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Lafayette to Columbus?
On a $75K salary, moving from Lafayette to Columbus could save roughly $58/month on core expenses. That's ~$696/year.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Lafayette lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Lafayette, you'd need roughly $73,235/year in Columbus. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbus to LafayetteLafayette vs Columbus — full comparisonLafayette 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