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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Columbus is 58% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,224/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 103%
$65,327/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 84%
$234,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 207%
$1,243/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 113%
906,480
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,262/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $15,144/year.

Median household income is $54,599/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Columbus or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,262/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $54,599/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Santa Clarita

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge