Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Columbus is 13% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $65,187 in Columbus.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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