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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Columbus is 63% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,224/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 98%
$65,327/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 84%
$234,500 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 347%
$1,243/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 96%
906,480
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,200/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $14,400/year.

Median household income is $54,558/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Columbus or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,200/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $54,558/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Huntington Beach details →

More Comparisons

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