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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Columbus is 57% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,224/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 74%
$65,327/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 60%
$234,500 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 267%
$1,243/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 81%
906,480
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $900/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $10,800/year.

Median household income is $38,892/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Columbus or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Fullerton?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $900/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Fullerton?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $38,892/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Fullerton details →

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