Cost of Living: Columbus vs San Diego (2026)

Columbus vs San Diego cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Diego is about 17% more expensive than Columbus overall — $100,000 in Columbus is worth about $117,197 in San Diego.

San Diego is about 17% more expensive than Columbus overall — $100,000 in Columbus is worth about $117,197 in San Diego.

Columbus vs San Diego: the numbers

MetricColumbusSan DiegoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)95112+17%
Median rent$1,224$2,223+82%
Median home value$234,500$848,500+262%
Median household income$65,327$104,321+60%

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 $117,197 in San Diego. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Diego is like $85,326 in Columbus.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Columbus and San Diego.

Compare any salary: Columbus vs San Diego

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 112 vs 95 — a 17% difference. Your money goes further in Columbus.

About $117,197 — that's what you'd need in San Diego to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Columbus.