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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

San Francisco

California
267

Columbus is 69% cheaper than San Francisco.

$1,224/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,419/mo ↑ 98%
$65,327/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$141,446/yr ↑ 117%
$234,500 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,380,500 ↑ 489%
$1,243/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,620/mo ↑ 111%
906,480
Population
836,321

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
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and San Francisco, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 267 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,195/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $14,340/year.

Median household income is $76,119/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $1,380,500 in San Francisco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs San Francisco — common questions

Is Columbus or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and San Francisco?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in San Francisco it's $2,419/month — a difference of $1,195/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or San Francisco?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $141,446 in San Francisco. Median household income is $76,119/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with rent of $2,419/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View San Francisco details →

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