Hire with Columbus vs Papaya Global
Hire with Columbus vs Papaya Global: 70% Less Cost, More Countries
Papaya charges $599/month for 160 countries. We offer $179/month for 185+ countries. Better coverage, better price.
How we compare
We deliver the same core EOR services at a fraction of the cost. Here's what you get with Columbus.
Columbus
Our advantage: Same quality service, 70% lower cost with transparent pricing
Papaya Global
Their advantage: Extensive HR tech integrations and contractor management platform
Save $420 per employee/month
That's 70% less than Papaya Global - same quality, smarter pricing
Get started from $179/month →What Papaya Global customers face
Common challenges with Papaya's mid-market approach
Premium pricing for mid-market features
Papaya charges $599/month targeting medium-to-large businesses
How we solve this
Columbus is $179/month with features right-sized for startups and scale-ups
Limited country coverage
Papaya covers 160+ countries—missing key markets in Africa and emerging economies
How we solve this
Columbus covers 185+ countries including harder-to-reach markets
Complex platform for simple needs
Multi-payroll integration, CPA partnerships, and features unused by smaller teams
How we solve this
Streamlined platform focused on core EOR without unnecessary complexity
WhatsApp-first support model
24/7 WhatsApp chat may not suit all communication preferences
How we solve this
Multi-channel 24/7 support with dedicated account managers
Switching from Papaya Global? We'll help you avoid these common issues.
Is Columbus right for you?
We're not for everyone. Here's how to decide if Columbus or Papaya Global is the better fit.
Columbus is great for you if...
Cost efficiency is a priority
You want enterprise-grade service without the enterprise price tag
You need transparent pricing
No hidden fees, no surprises—just straightforward costs from day one
Speed matters
Get employees onboarded in 2-3 days with dedicated support
You're a growing startup or mid-market company
Scale globally without breaking your budget
You value personalized support
Work with a dedicated team that knows your business
Papaya Global might be better if...
You need extensive HR tech integrations
Connects with hundreds of HR tools and platforms
Brand recognition matters
Well-established name in the EOR space
You're a large enterprise
Managing 500+ global employees with complex requirements
Budget isn't a concern
Premium pricing for comprehensive platform features
You need contractor + EOR management
Unified platform for mixed workforce types
Calculate your savings
See how much you could save by charting your course with Columbus
Columbus
Papaya Global
No hidden fees, ever
What you see is what you pay. The $179/employee/month price includes compliance, payroll, benefits administration, local tax filing, and 24/7 support. No surprise charges.
Feature comparison
Both handle compliance well. The difference is in pricing and coverage.
Pricing & Costs
| Feature | 🧭Columbus | Papaya Global |
|---|---|---|
| EOR monthly cost per employeeKey difference | $179 | $599 |
| Contractor monthly costKey difference | $25 | $30.00 |
| Setup fees | $0 | $0 |
| Contract minimums | None - month to month | Varies by plan |
Global Coverage
| Feature | 🧭Columbus | Papaya Global |
|---|---|---|
| Countries availableKey difference | 185+ | 160 |
| Local compliance experts | ✓ In every country | ✓ In every country |
| Visa & work permit support | ✓ 85+ countries | ✓ Available |
Service & Support
| Feature | 🧭Columbus | Papaya Global |
|---|---|---|
| Response time guaranteeKey difference | 15 minutes | 24-48 hours |
| Support availability | 24/7 live support | Business hours |
| Dedicated account manager | ✓ From day one | ✓ Available |
| Onboarding time | 2-3 days | 3-5 days |
Features & Platform
| Feature | 🧭Columbus | Papaya Global |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll processing | ✓ Multi-currency | ✓ Multi-currency |
| Benefits administration | ✓ Local benefits | ✓ Local benefits |
| Background checks | ✓ 185+ countries | ✓ Available |
| Equipment management | ✓ Global shipping | ✓ Available |
Switch from Papaya Global? We'll handle everything
Moving from Papaya Global to Hire with Columbus is simple and completely free. Our migration team handles all the heavy lifting.
Quick setup review
New or switching? We analyze your needs and create a tailored onboarding plan
Smooth transition
We handle employee data, contracts, and compliance—whether migrating or starting fresh
Ready to go
Your team is up and running on Columbus—typically within 2-3 days for new setups
What's included in your free migration
Already using Papaya Global?
Chat with our team to see how much you could save by switching. No commitment required.
The numbers are clear
Papaya Global vs Columbus FAQ
Common questions about switching from Papaya Global to Columbus
Columbus charges $179/month per employee while Papaya Global charges $599/month. That's a savings of $420/month per employee, or 70% less than Papaya Global.
Yes. Columbus delivers the same core EOR services—compliance, payroll, benefits administration—through trusted local partners with 20+ years of experience. You get the same reliability and legal protection, just with smarter economics that eliminate enterprise overhead.
Most migrations from Papaya Global complete in 2-3 weeks with zero disruption to your team. We offer free migration support including employee data transfer, contract setup, and parallel running periods to ensure a smooth transition.
No. Unlike some providers with 12-month minimums, Columbus offers month-to-month pricing. You can cancel anytime with no penalties or questions asked. We earn your business every month through quality service, not contractual lock-in.
Columbus covers 185+ countries worldwide. Our extensive network of local partners means we can support your global team wherever they are, with the same compliance quality and faster onboarding than most competitors.
Need EOR without mid-market overhead?
Papaya Global's CPA partnerships and multi-payroll integration are great—if you need them. Most startups don't. Get the same compliance with broader coverage at 70% less cost.
Get started with Columbus — Starting from $179/month →No credit card required • Cancel anytime • 2-3 day onboarding