Moving from St. Louis to Columbus (2026)
Columbus has a COL index of 83 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Columbus to match your St. Louis lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Louis | Equivalent in Columbus |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,161 |
| $50K | $47,701 |
| $60K | $57,241 |
| $75K | $71,552 |
| $80K | $76,322 |
| $100K | $95,402 |
| $120K | $114,483 |
| $150K | $143,103 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Louis vs Columbus
| Expense | St. Louis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,397 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $369 | $353 |
| Transport | $75 | $40 |
| Utilities | $162 | $160 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,481 | $2,686 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus cheaper than St. Louis?
Yes. Columbus has a cost of living index of 83 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from St. Louis to Columbus?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Louis to Columbus could save roughly $255/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,060/year.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my St. Louis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Louis, you'd need roughly $71,552/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