$80K in Memphis = $87,711 in Columbus
Your $80K salary in Memphis (COL 83) has the same purchasing power as $87,711 in Columbus (COL 91). Columbus is more expensive — you'd need 10% more to maintain the same lifestyle.
Budget breakdown — $80K in both cities
What $80K actually buys you in each city after taxes and core expenses.
| Expense | Memphis $80K | Columbus $80K (same salary) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $5,057 | $4,857 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $357 | $361 |
| Transport | $55 | $62 |
| Utilities | $170 | $155 |
| Internet | $55 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $3,320/month | $2,969/month |
Frequently asked questions
What is $80K in Memphis equivalent to in Columbus?
$80K in Memphis (COL index 83) has the same purchasing power as $87,711 in Columbus (COL index 91). That's 10% more than your current salary.
If I move from Memphis to Columbus keeping my $80K salary, will I be better off?
Not necessarily. Core expenses in Columbus are higher, so on the same $80K salary you'd have $351 less per month. You'd need to earn $87,711 to maintain the same standard of living.
How is the salary equivalent calculated?
The equivalent salary is calculated by multiplying your current salary by the ratio of the two cities' overall cost of living indices: $80K × (91 ÷ 83) = $87,711. This adjusts for differences in housing, food, transport, and general cost of living.
Other salary amounts — Memphis to Columbus
Equivalency uses overall COL index ratio. Take-home uses simplified federal/state brackets. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only