Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Gardena, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 42.9% cheaper than Gardena, CA. This translates to saving $3214 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Gardena, CA, you'd need approximately $111,432.125 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 67.6% cheaper than in Gardena, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,730/month in Gardena, CA.

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

Moving from Gardena, CA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $3214 per month, or $38568 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Gardena, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Gardena, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.2K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $111.4K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 42.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,214

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.6K

Per year

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

Gardena, CA

Population:58K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$789K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:57

Median Home:$263K

Gardena, CA

The Golden State

58K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 58K 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: Gardena, CA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Gardena, CA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,338/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $4,285less	67.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,961/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $595less	30.4%
🏥Healthcare	$528/mo	$607/mo	↑ $79.15more	15.0%
⚡All Utilities	$531/mo	$464/mo	↓ $66.86less	12.6%
🛒Groceries	$992/mo	$969/mo	↓ $22.36less	2.3%
📦Other	$1,573/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $16.18less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 67.6%

Gardena, CA

$6,338

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$4,285

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.4%

Gardena, CA

$1,961

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$595

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 15.0%

Gardena, CA

$528

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$79.15

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.6%

Gardena, CA

$531

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$66.86

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.3%

Gardena, CA

$992

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$22.36

less

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Gardena, CA

$1,573

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$16.18

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Gardena, 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$1,236

To$1,020

↓ $216

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,100

↓ $290

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,315

↓ $415

3 Bed

From$2,194

To$1,575

↓ $619

Gardena, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,780–$1,890/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.

$11,923

Monthly in Gardena, CA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$4,907

Difference

Home Values

Gardena

Columbus

$789K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +21.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$740K - $793K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 67% less expensive than Gardena

Calculate payment - Gardena 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

Gardena, 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

Gardena, 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.