Median rent is 40% lower in Columbus ($1,135/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbus, where the median home runs $231,000 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $76,856 a year). Taken together, Columbus is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.1 against 113.3 — about 17% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Columbus, IN.
Quick verdict
Columbus is 17% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.1 in Columbus vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Columbus, IN
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Columbus, IN?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$90,316
You'd need $15,316 more (20% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Columbus
Indiana
Los Angeles
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Columbus — median rent of $1,135/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 40% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $231,000 in Columbus — 74% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Indiana's top income tax rate is 3.05% versus 13.30% in California, so Columbus is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Indiana and 7.25% in California; Columbus has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Columbus
Income tax: 3.05%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Columbus.
Pick Columbus if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.1 vs 113.3).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,135/mo median).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.05%).
Is Columbus cheaper than Los Angeles?
Columbus is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 17% lower in Columbus.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,135/mo in Columbus, IN and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Columbus, IN has the lower rent by about 40%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbus or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $76,856 in Columbus, IN and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Columbus or Los Angeles?
Indiana's top income tax rate is 3.05% and California's is 13.30%. Columbus, IN has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Columbus income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbus, IN is equivalent to roughly $120,421 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology