Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Columbus is 38% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,224/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 17%
$65,327/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 5%
$234,500 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 162%
$1,243/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 17%
906,480
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $3,051/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Columbus or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $3,051/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

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