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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Columbus is 62% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,224/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 81%
$65,327/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 59%
$234,500 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 346%
$1,243/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 88%
906,480
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $994/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $11,928/year.

Median household income is $38,451/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Columbus or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Pasadena?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $994/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Pasadena?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $38,451/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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