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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Columbus

Ohio
83

Los Angeles is 125% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,879/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,224/mo ↓ 35%
$80,366/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$65,327/yr ↓ 19%
$879,500 ↑ 275%
Home Value
$234,500 ↓ 73%
$2,055/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 40%
3,857,897
Population
906,480

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Columbus, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $15,039/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $234,500 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Columbus — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Columbus?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Columbus it's $1,224/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Columbus?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $65,327 in Columbus. Median household income is $15,039/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,224/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Columbus details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Columbus

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