Moving from Seoul to Columbus (2026)
Columbus has a COL index of 91 vs 73 for Seoul (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 26% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$400 more/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
73 → 91
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$900 → $1,250
per month
State tax
15% → 3%
income tax
COL difference
73 → 91
26% more expensive
Salary needed in Columbus to match your Seoul lifestyle
Based on the 26% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seoul | Equivalent in Columbus |
|---|---|
| $40K | $50,207 |
| $50K | $62,759 |
| $60K | $75,310 |
| $75K | $94,138 |
| $80K | $100,414 |
| $100K | $125,517 |
| $120K | $150,621 |
| $150K | $188,276 |
Adjust your salary
Pay ~$353/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Seoul vs Columbus
| Expense | Seoul | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,803 | $4,553 |
| 1BR rent | $900 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $380 | $361 |
| Transport | $150 | $62 |
| Utilities | $80 | $155 |
| Internet | $25 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,268 | $2,665 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus cheaper than Seoul?
No. Columbus has a cost of living index of 91 vs 73 for Seoul (100 = US average). That's about 26% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Seoul to Columbus?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seoul to Columbus saves roughly $400/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,800/year.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Seoul lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seoul, you'd need roughly $94,138/year in Columbus. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Columbus to SeoulSeoul vs Columbus — full comparisonSeoul cost of livingColumbus cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only