Median rent is 40% lower in Columbus ($1,072/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbus, where the median home runs $182,300 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $56,622 a year). Taken together, Columbus is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.1 against 113.0 — about 17% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Columbus is 17% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.1 in Columbus vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Columbus, GA
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Columbus, GA?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$90,060
You'd need $15,060 more (20% 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
New York
New York
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Columbus — median rent of $1,072/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 40% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $182,300 in Columbus — 76% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% versus 10.90% in New York, so Columbus is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Georgia and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Columbus
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Columbus has cleaner air on average: 54.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Columbus if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.1 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,072/mo median).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 54.0).
Is Columbus cheaper than New York?
Columbus is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 17% lower in Columbus.
How much is rent in Columbus vs New York?
Median rent is $1,072/mo in Columbus, GA and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Columbus, GA has the lower rent by about 40%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbus or New York?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus, GA and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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?
Columbus, GA has better air quality on average: 54.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Columbus or New York?
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% and New York's is 10.90%. Columbus, GA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Columbus income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbus, GA is equivalent to roughly $120,080 in New York, NY (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