Cost of Living: Columbus vs Los Angeles (2026)

Columbus vs Los Angeles cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Los Angeles is about 19% more expensive than Columbus overall — $100,000 in Columbus is worth about $118,956 in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is about 19% more expensive than Columbus overall — $100,000 in Columbus is worth about $118,956 in Los Angeles.

Columbus vs Los Angeles: the numbers

MetricColumbusLos AngelesDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)95114+19%
Median rent$1,224$1,879+54%
Median home value$234,500$879,500+275%
Median household income$65,327$80,366+23%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Columbus has the same buying power as about $118,956 in Los Angeles. Going the other way, $100,000 in Los Angeles is like $84,065 in Columbus.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Columbus and Los Angeles.

Compare any salary: Columbus vs Los Angeles

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 114 vs 95 — a 19% difference. Your money goes further in Columbus.

About $118,956 — that's what you'd need in Los Angeles to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Columbus.