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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Columbus

Ohio
83

San Diego is 137% more expensive than Columbus.

$2,223/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,224/mo ↓ 45%
$104,321/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$65,327/yr ↓ 37%
$848,500 ↑ 262%
Home Value
$234,500 ↓ 72%
$2,308/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 46%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Columbus, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $999/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $11,988/year.

Median household income is $38,994/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $234,500 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Columbus — common questions

Is San Diego or Columbus 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 San Diego and Columbus?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Columbus it's $1,224/month — a difference of $999/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Columbus?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $65,327 in Columbus. Median household income is $38,994/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Columbus details →

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