Median rent is 48% lower in Columbus ($1,295/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbus, where the median home runs $252,900 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $66,082 a year). Taken together, Columbus is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.6 against 117.6 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Columbus is 19% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 94.6 in Columbus vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
Columbus, OH
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Columbus, OH?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$93,166
You'd need $18,166 more (24% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Columbus
Ohio
San Francisco
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Columbus — median rent of $1,295/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 48% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $252,900 in Columbus — 82% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Columbus
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Columbus (avg AQI 22.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Columbus if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.6 vs 117.6).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,295/mo median).
Is Columbus cheaper than San Francisco?
Columbus is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.6 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Columbus.
How much is rent in Columbus vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,295/mo in Columbus, OH and $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA. Columbus, OH has the lower rent by about 48%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbus or San Francisco?
Median household income is $66,082 in Columbus, OH and $140,970 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Columbus income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbus, OH is equivalent to roughly $124,222 in San Francisco, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
