Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Columbus is 17% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $62,277 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 Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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