Is Columbus, OH cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 54.3% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $4074 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $101,116.751 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 79.0% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $4074 per month, or $48883 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Francisco, CA

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $4.1K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $101.1K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 54.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,074

Savings

Annual Impact

$48.9K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:46

Median Home:$263K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Columbus, OH

Category	San Francisco, CA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $7,718less	79.0%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $792less	36.7%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $318less	17.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$969/mo	↓ $190less	16.4%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$607/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.0%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$464/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 79.0%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$7,718

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.7%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$792

less

📦Other

↓ 17.0%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$318

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 16.4%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$190

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.0%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$99.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.7%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$16.39

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Francisco, 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$2,460

To$1,020

↓ $1,440

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,100

↓ $1,850

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,315

↓ $2,255

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$1,575

↓ $2,985

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$9,101

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Columbus

$1.25M

Median Value

$263K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 79% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.