Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Stockton, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 21.7% cheaper than Stockton, CA. This translates to saving $1630 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Stockton, CA, you'd need approximately $130,434.783 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 41.5% cheaper than in Stockton, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,530/month in Stockton, CA.

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

Moving from Stockton, CA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1630 per month, or $19565 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Stockton, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.4K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 21.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,630

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.6K

Per year

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

Stockton, CA

Population:310K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$400K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:78

Median Home:$263K

Stockton, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 310K 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: Stockton, CA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Stockton, CA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,508/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $1,455less	41.5%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $201less	11.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$969/mo	↓ $120less	11.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $109less	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$502/mo	$607/mo	↑ $105more	21.0%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$464/mo	↓ $65.57less	12.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 41.5%

Stockton, CA

$3,508

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$1,455

less

📦Other

↓ 11.4%

Stockton, CA

$1,758

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$201

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.0%

Stockton, CA

$1,089

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$120

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.4%

Stockton, CA

$1,475

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$109

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 21.0%

Stockton, CA

$502

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$105

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.4%

Stockton, CA

$530

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$65.57

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Stockton, 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$1,130

To$1,020

↓ $110

1 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,100

↓ $130

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$1,315

↓ $215

3 Bed

From$2,130

To$1,575

↓ $555

Stockton, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,940/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.

$8,862

Monthly in Stockton, CA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$1,846

Difference

Home Values

Stockton

Columbus

$400K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +19.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$323K - $548K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 34% less expensive than Stockton

Calculate payment - Stockton 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

Stockton, 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

Stockton, 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.