Example household · Manhattan, KS · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Columbus skyline

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Manhattan vs Columbus

Manhattan and Columbus

Photo: PghPhxNfk / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Columbus are above the US rate in this release, 20.8 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Manhattan to Columbus

In 2022-2023, 33 households filed a move from Manhattan to Columbus (about 92 people, average adjusted gross income $56,424). 70 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $855 in Manhattan and $1,063 in Columbus. Manhattan has a state tax on wages. Columbus has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Columbus is 85% of the national level for the same work, against 80% in Manhattan.

Columbus averages 222 sunny days, with July highs around 91°F and January nights around 40°F. Manhattan is 224 sunny days, 87°F in July, 21°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Columbus and 18 in Manhattan.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 33 households moved Manhattan → Columbus (about 92 people, average AGI $56,424). 70 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Manhattan and Columbus changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 970 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$2,650–$4,950
Container or pod
$1,850–$3,450
Rent a truck
$1,000–$1,850

Movers in Columbus and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Columbus cheaper than Manhattan after tax and rent?

No. Columbus leaves about $366 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $855 in Manhattan and $1,063 in Columbus.

Does Columbus have state income tax?

Columbus is in Georgia, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Manhattan to Columbus?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.