Salary Needed to Live in Columbus as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $24,523/year to live comfortably in Columbus, OH — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$24,523
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$20,546
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,267
12% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Columbus
| Expense | Columbus | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $123 | $137 | -10% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $31 | $27 | +15% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $14 | $19 | -26% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $36 | $35 | +3% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $132 | $211 | -37% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $42 | $53 | -21% |
| Internet | $60 | $65 | -8% |
| Phone (×2) | $129 | $140 | -8% |
| Dining & Social | $414 | $450 | -8% |
| Entertainment | $166 | $180 | -8% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $120 | $130 | -8% |
| Total Monthly | $1,267 | $1,447 | -12% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,267
Target savings (12%):$206/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,473
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$24,523
Other Household Types in Columbus
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Columbus?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $24,523/year ($2,044/month gross) to live comfortably in Columbus with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Columbus?
A 1-2br apartment in Columbus costs approximately $123/month, which is the largest single expense at 10% of the total budget.
Is Columbus affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Yes, Columbus is 12% more affordable than the national average for a couple (no kids).