Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Ontario, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 24.4% cheaper than Ontario, CA. This translates to saving $1828 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Ontario, CA, you'd need approximately $128,067.227 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 44.4% cheaper than in Ontario, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,580/month in Ontario, CA.

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

Moving from Ontario, CA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1828 per month, or $21933 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Ontario, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fontana, CA area

Current salary in Ontario, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.1K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 24.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,828

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.9K

Per year

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

Ontario, CA

Population:182K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$672K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:76

Median Home:$263K

Ontario, CA

The Golden State

182K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 182K 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: Ontario, CA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Ontario, CA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,690/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $1,637less	44.4%
🚗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

↓ 44.4%

Ontario, CA

$3,690

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$1,637

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.7%

Ontario, CA

$2,158

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$792

less

📦Other

↓ 9.7%

Ontario, CA

$1,724

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$167

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 16.7%

Ontario, CA

$557

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$92.89

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.7%

Ontario, CA

$1,039

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$69.95

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.1%

Ontario, CA

$551

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$55.76

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Ontario, 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$1,980

To$1,020

↓ $960

1 Bed

From$2,080

To$1,100

↓ $980

2 Bed

From$2,580

To$1,315

↓ $1,265

3 Bed

From$3,410

To$1,575

↓ $1,835

Ontario, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$2,240/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.

$9,721

Monthly in Ontario, CA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$2,704

Difference

Home Values

Ontario

Columbus

$672K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -1.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +34.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$623K - $683K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 61% less expensive than Ontario

Calculate payment - Ontario 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

Ontario, 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

Ontario, 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.