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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Fresno

California
101

Columbus is 18% cheaper than Fresno.

$1,224/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↑ 8%
$65,327/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↑ 2%
$234,500 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$348,500 ↑ 49%
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↑ 12%
906,480
Population
543,615

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $1,477/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Fresno — common questions

Is Columbus or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Fresno?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Fresno?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $1,477/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Fresno details →

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