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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Columbus is 33% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,224/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 39%
$65,327/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 16%
$234,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 74%
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 40%
906,480
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $10,756/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Columbus or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Lancaster?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $472/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Lancaster?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $10,756/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Lancaster details →

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