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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Columbus is 37% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,224/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 38%
$65,327/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 28%
$234,500 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 107%
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 41%
906,480
Population
524,802

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 Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $18,426/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Columbus or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Sacramento?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Sacramento?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $18,426/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Sacramento details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Sacramento

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta