Median rent is 11% lower in Columbus ($1,072/mo vs $1,205/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbus, where the median home runs $182,300 versus $249,000. Households earn more in Kentwood ($73,647 vs $56,622 a year). Taken together, Columbus is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.1 against 94.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Kentwood, MI.
City A
Columbus, GA
City B
Kentwood, MI
How much would you need to earn in Kentwood, MI to maintain your standard of living from Columbus, GA?
Equivalent salary in Kentwood, MI
$75,009
You'd need $9 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Columbus
Georgia
Kentwood
Michigan
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Columbus at $1,072/mo compared to $1,205/mo in Kentwood (11% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Kentwood: the median home is $249,000 versus $182,300 in Columbus — 27% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% versus 4.25% in Michigan, so Kentwood is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Georgia and 6.00% in Michigan; Columbus has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Columbus
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Kentwood
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Columbus (avg AQI 54.0) but not yet for Kentwood.
Pick Kentwood if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,647/yr).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,072/mo median).
Pick Kentwood if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Columbus cheaper than Kentwood?
Columbus is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 94.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Columbus.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Kentwood?
Median rent is $1,072/mo in Columbus, GA and $1,205/mo in Kentwood, MI. Columbus, GA has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbus or Kentwood?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus, GA and $73,647 in Kentwood, MI. Kentwood, MI has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Columbus or Kentwood?
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% and Michigan's is 4.25%. Kentwood, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Kentwood to match my Columbus income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbus, GA is equivalent to roughly $100,012 in Kentwood, MI (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology