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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Columbus is 50% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,224/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 79%
$65,327/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 57%
$234,500 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 153%
$1,243/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 79%
906,480
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $967/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $11,604/year.

Median household income is $36,994/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Columbus or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Fairfield?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $967/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Fairfield?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $36,994/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Fairfield

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill