Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 95.5 in Columbus, OH in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 21.1% more expensive than Columbus; housing rents differ by 121% (194.7 vs 87.9). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $61,932 buys in Columbus, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Francisco | Columbus | San Francisco vs Columbus |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 95.5 | +21.1% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 93.6 | +15.8% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 87.9 | +121.4% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 95.5 | +80.7% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 98.9 | +7.3% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 96.6 | +23.3% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Columbus | $41,288 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Columbus | $82,576 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Columbus | $123,865 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.