Columbus vs Salem
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbus is 55% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $733/mo vs $1,137/mo in Salem — saving $4,848/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbus | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $493 | $741 | $248 |
| 1 Bedroom | $600 | $913 | $313 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $733 | $1,137 | $404 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $932 | $1,411 | $479 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,032 | $1,615 | $583 |
| Median Income | $37,268 | $53,953 | $16,685 |
Columbus
- Studio
- $493/mo
- 1 BR
- $600/mo
- 2 BR
- $733/mo
- 3 BR
- $932/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,032/mo
- Median Income
- $37,268/yr
Salem
- Studio
- $741/mo
- 1 BR
- $913/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,411/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,615/mo
- Median Income
- $53,953/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or Salem cheaper to rent in?
Columbus is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $733/mo vs $1,137/mo in Salem. That's $404/mo or $4,848/year more expensive in Salem (55% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbus vs Salem?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbus is $733/month. In Salem, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,137/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbus and Salem?
The median household income in Columbus is $37,268/year. In Salem it is $53,953/year. Salem has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbus vs Salem?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbus is $493/mo. In Salem it is $741/mo.