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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Downey

California
169

Columbus is 51% cheaper than Downey.

$1,224/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 55%
$65,327/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 34%
$234,500 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 211%
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 61%
906,480
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $668/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $8,016/year.

Median household income is $22,073/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Downey — common questions

Is Columbus or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Downey?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $668/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Downey?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $22,073/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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