Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
42% cheaper
Columbus is 42% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $43,594 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $560,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbus scores 99 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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