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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Ontario

California
152

Columbus is 45% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,224/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 57%
$65,327/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 27%
$234,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 142%
$1,243/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 58%
906,480
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $692/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $8,304/year.

Median household income is $17,479/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Ontario — common questions

Is Columbus or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Ontario?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $692/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Ontario?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $17,479/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Ontario

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