Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
40% cheaper
Columbus is 40% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $45,000 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 Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $460,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbus scores 99 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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