Salary Needed to Live in Columbus as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $17,363/year to live comfortably in Columbus, OH — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$17,363
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$15,016
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$926
14% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Columbus
| Expense | Columbus | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $101 | $113 | -11% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $20 | $17 | +18% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $11 | $14 | -21% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $27 | $26 | +4% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $132 | $211 | -37% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $42 | $53 | -21% |
| Internet | $60 | $65 | -8% |
| Phone | $78 | $85 | -8% |
| Dining & Social | $276 | $300 | -8% |
| Entertainment | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Personal Care | $69 | $75 | -8% |
| Total Monthly | $926 | $1,079 | -14% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$926
Target savings (10%):$119/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,045
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$17,363
Other Household Types in Columbus
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Columbus?
A single person needs approximately $17,363/year ($1,447/month gross) to live comfortably in Columbus with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Columbus?
A studio/1br in Columbus costs approximately $101/month, which is the largest single expense at 11% of the total budget.
Is Columbus affordable for a single person?
Yes, Columbus is 14% more affordable than the national average for a single person.