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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Columbus is 53% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,224/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 61%
$65,327/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 38%
$234,500 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 226%
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 62%
906,480
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $24,839/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Columbus or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $24,839/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Garden Grove

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins