Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
44% cheaper
Columbus is 44% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $42,018 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 Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $610,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbus scores 99 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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