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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Modesto

California
120

Columbus is 31% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,224/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 31%
$65,327/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 19%
$234,500 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 77%
$1,243/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 30%
906,480
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $12,572/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Modesto — common questions

Is Columbus or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Modesto?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Modesto?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $12,572/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Modesto

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