Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Anaheim, CA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Columbus is 54% cheaper than Anaheim.

$1,224/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 70%
$65,327/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↑ 39%
$234,500 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 229%
$1,243/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↑ 74%
906,480
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $858/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $10,296/year.

Median household income is $25,256/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Columbus or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Anaheim?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $858/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Anaheim?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $25,256/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Anaheim details →

More Comparisons

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