Is Columbus, OH cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 37.5% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $2813 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $116,250 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 60.7% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $2813 per month, or $33750 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Diego, CA

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.3K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 37.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,813

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.8K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$263K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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: San Diego, CA vs Columbus, OH

Category	San Diego, CA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $3,170less	60.7%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $335less	17.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $205less	13.0%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$464/mo	↓ $169less	26.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$969/mo	↓ $110less	10.2%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$607/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 60.7%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$3,170

less

📦Other

↓ 17.7%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$335

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.0%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$205

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 26.7%

San Diego, CA

$634

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$169

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.2%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$110

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

San Diego, CA

$638

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$30.98

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Diego, 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$2,565

To$1,020

↓ $1,545

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,100

↓ $1,655

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,315

↓ $2,045

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$1,575

↓ $2,900

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$4,020

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Columbus

$980K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 73% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego 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

San Diego, 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

San Diego, 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.