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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Fontana

California
146

Columbus is 43% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,224/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 42%
$65,327/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 50%
$234,500 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 138%
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 60%
906,480
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $32,860/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Fontana — common questions

Is Columbus or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Fontana?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Fontana?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $32,860/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Fontana

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