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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Columbus, OH

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

31.6% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
51.7% 51.7% cheaper housing
12.7% 12.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 51.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries 12.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation 21.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 16.1% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities 9.5% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1369331.6% less
Housing1788651.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,10056.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$260,00070.5% less
Groceries1109612.7% less
Transportation1259821.6% less
Healthcare1129416.1% less
Utilities105959.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Columbus, OH
State Income Tax13.30% (top)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Columbus, OH
$64,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Columbus costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Columbus to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Columbus905,748

Moving from Los Angeles to Columbus?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and Columbus → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Columbus →

Compare Other Cities

Los Angeles vs Austin → Los Angeles vs Denver → Los Angeles vs Nashville → Columbus vs Raleigh → Columbus vs Portland → Columbus vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Columbus cheaper to live in?+
Columbus is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 51.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $1,400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Columbus?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to Columbus?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $64,000 in Columbus. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs Columbus?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $620,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Ohio averages 1.41%.