Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Columbus is 27% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $54,492 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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