Austin vs Columbus

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $55,885 in Columbus.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Austin feels like $55,885 in Columbus. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 20%.

Income
Housing

Austin

Columbus

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,562/mo
 
$1,194/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
OH tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,598
Remote Work Fit
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
 
Columbus is a strong value proposition for remote workers. Intel's new semiconductor manufacturing complex in the outer Columbus metro is also creating new in-person tech employment opportunities.
Walk Score
42
 
41
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin vs Columbus
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Austin and Columbus each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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Austin profile Columbus profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Austin vs Columbus — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Columbus?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $1,194/mo in Columbus. Columbus has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Columbus to match Austin?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $55,885 in Columbus — a reduction of about 20% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Austin and Columbus?

Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Columbus is in OH (OH levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.