Moving from Philadelphia to Columbus (2026)
Columbus has a COL index of 83 vs 107 for Philadelphia (100 = US average). You'd pay about 22% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Columbus to match your Philadelphia lifestyle
Based on the 22% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Philadelphia | Equivalent in Columbus |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,028 |
| $50K | $38,785 |
| $60K | $46,542 |
| $75K | $58,178 |
| $80K | $62,056 |
| $100K | $77,570 |
| $120K | $93,084 |
| $150K | $116,355 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Philadelphia vs Columbus
| Expense | Philadelphia | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,547 | $4,397 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $391 | $353 |
| Transport | $96 | $40 |
| Utilities | $160 | $160 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $1,835 | $2,686 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus cheaper than Philadelphia?
Yes. Columbus has a cost of living index of 83 vs 107 for Philadelphia (100 = US average). That's about 22% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Philadelphia to Columbus?
On a $75K salary, moving from Philadelphia to Columbus could save roughly $1,001/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,012/year.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Philadelphia lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Philadelphia, you'd need roughly $58,178/year in Columbus. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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