Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Fontana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 23.1% cheaper than Fontana, CA. This translates to saving $1731 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Fontana, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Fontana, CA, you'd need approximately $129,230.769 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fontana, CA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 41.5% cheaper than in Fontana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,660/month in Fontana, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fontana, CA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Fontana, CA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1731 per month, or $20769 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fontana, CA vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Fontana, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $129.2K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 23.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,731

Savings

Annual Impact

$20.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Fontana, CA

Population:208K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$600K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:77

Median Home:$263K

Fontana, CA

The Golden State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 208K residents.

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fontana, CA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Fontana, CA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,508/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $1,455less	41.5%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $792less	36.7%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $167less	9.7%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$464/mo	↓ $92.89less	16.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$969/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.7%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$607/mo	↑ $55.76more	10.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 41.5%

Fontana, CA

$3,508

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$1,455

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.7%

Fontana, CA

$2,158

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$792

less

📦Other

↓ 9.7%

Fontana, CA

$1,724

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$167

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 16.7%

Fontana, CA

$557

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$92.89

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.7%

Fontana, CA

$1,039

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$69.95

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.1%

Fontana, CA

$551

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$55.76

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Fontana, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,050

To$1,020

↓ $1,030

1 Bed

From$2,150

To$1,100

↓ $1,050

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,315

↓ $1,345

3 Bed

From$3,520

To$1,575

↓ $1,945

Fontana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$2,150/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,539

Monthly in Fontana, CA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$2,522

Difference

Home Values

Fontana

Columbus

$600K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +36.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$553K - $693K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 56% less expensive than Fontana

Calculate payment - Fontana Calculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$517

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.1%

Rate difference

Fontana, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Fontana, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.