Comparing two vibrant cities like Columbus, Ohio, and Sacramento, California, is challenging but interesting. Both are state capitals and are bustling with activity and growth in various sectors. However, each city has its distinct flavor in terms of crime rates, weather patterns, cultural activities, cost of living, and educational opportunities. Here, we examine each city in terms of specific characteristics to provide a comprehensive overview for both potential residents considering relocation and tourists planning a visit.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Sacramento, CA : 2,044.3 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 73%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Sacramento has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) during that time.
Sacramento's crime rate is somewhat higher than the national average, largely due to property crimes. However, the overall crime rate has been decreasing over the past few years. Columbus, on the other hand, has a higher than average crime rate, particularly violent crimes. It's essential to research the neighborhoods in either city before choosing to relocate.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,576 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 2,246 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 547 to 1; the ratio in Sacramento is 220 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Columbus than in Sacramento.
Cost of Living
Living in Sacramento is generally more expensive than Columbus. The cost of housing, in particular, is significantly higher in Sacramento. However, wages and salaries in Sacramento are also generally higher, somewhat offsetting the additional cost. That being said, overall, Columbus is considered more affordable.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3% depending on income level. In contrast, Ohio has a complicated system involving both state and local taxes. The state's rates range from 0% to 4.797%, but Columbus also levies a city income tax of 2.5%.
Property Tax
The property tax rate in Sacramento typically is lower than the national average, while in Columbus, the property tax rate is higher than the national average. However, higher property costs in Sacramento may make the total tax bill higher there.
Sales Tax
Sacramento, California, has a high sales tax rate of 8.75%, whereas Ohio's state sales tax rate is 5.75%. However, Columbus may charge an additional local sales tax, making its overall sales tax rate potentially higher.
Income
Type
Columbus
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $53,538 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Sacramento is situated in the Central Valley and near major destinations like San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Lake Tahoe. Columbus is located in the midwestern part of the country and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and boating, thanks to its proximity to Hocking Hills and Buckeye Lake.
Columbus is home to one of the country's largest universities, The Ohio State University, making it a hub for higher education. The city has a higher than average high school graduation rate. Sacramento also has a robust education scene with numerous reputable institutions, including California State University, Sacramento, but high school graduation rates are somewhat lower than in Columbus.
Both cities have diverse economies. Columbus' economy is based largely on education, health care, and government services, with a growing technology sector. Sacramento's economy is also diversified, with a strong emphasis on education, health care, and government. However, its proximity to Silicon Valley makes it a desirable location for tech startups.
Biggest Employers
In Columbus, the biggest employers are The Ohio State University and OhioHealth. In Sacramento, the State of California and Sutter Health are the leading employers. Both cities have a healthy job market, offering many opportunities for job seekers.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 1,004 building permits issued in Sacramento in 2012 (943 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Sacramento
Columbus
Sacramento
Columbus
Sacramento
2020
64.7%
61.4%
33.4%
36.1%
1.9%
2.5%
2016
59.8%
58.0%
33.9%
33.8%
6.2%
8.3%
2012
60.8%
58.1%
37.9%
39.1%
1.3%
2.8%
2008
59.8%
58.4%
39.0%
39.4%
1.2%
2.2%
2004
54.5%
49.8%
45.2%
49.6%
0.3%
0.6%
2000
48.9%
49.4%
47.9%
45.4%
3.2%
5.2%
1996
48.1%
49.8%
44.5%
40.8%
7.3%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Sacramento
Columbus
Sacramento
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
16.2%
5.6%
5.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.5%
3.7%
1.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.7%
6.8%
8.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.9%
1.9%
1.3%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.4%
3.3%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.3%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
2.0%
2.1%
Weather
Sacramento is known for its hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Columbus experiences all four seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. For those who enjoy seasonal weather changes, Columbus may be a more appealing choice, while Sacramento's climate may be more attractive for those who prefer a Mediterranean-like climate.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
45%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Sacramento
Columbus
Sacramento
Columbus
Sacramento
Columbus
Sacramento
Sacramento
Columbus
Sacramento
Columbus
Sacramento
Columbus
Sacramento
2018
69
121
0.11
0.32
10.0
9.7
33.8
24.7
0.002
N/A
N/A
28.9
6.0
12.7
0.0
N/A
2017
68
117
0.16
0.33
9.6
9.0
28.7
25.2
0.002
N/A
N/A
22.1
5.5
8.8
0.1
N/A
2016
76
103
0.17
0.44
10.6
8.0
28.5
25.3
0.002
N/A
N/A
14.0
5.6
9.0
0.1
N/A
2015
74
105
0.16
0.25
11.3
9.7
27.0
24.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
16.2
6.1
10.9
0.1
N/A
2014
82
99
0.20
0.24
11.0
10.2
28.5
24.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
15.6
7.4
9.6
0.5
N/A
2013
78
102
N/A
0.29
8.9
11.1
29.6
23.2
0.002
N/A
N/A
21.3
7.8
11.9
0.6
N/A
2012
87
107
N/A
0.31
N/A
10.5
32.9
25.2
0.002
N/A
N/A
15.2
8.9
7.9
N/A
N/A
2011
89
106
N/A
0.29
N/A
11.2
28.1
24.0
0.002
N/A
N/A
17.7
8.9
10.8
N/A
N/A
2010
90
109
N/A
0.29
N/A
11.2
30.5
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
9.1
9.3
N/A
0.5
2009
61
118
N/A
0.40
N/A
12.4
28.7
23.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
11.4
N/A
0.5
2008
65
130
N/A
0.40
N/A
14.9
31.2
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.3
N/A
13.6
1.8
0.5
2007
80
129
N/A
0.39
N/A
14.8
30.8
23.7
0.005
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
13.5
2.8
0.6
2006
75
124
N/A
0.49
N/A
15.4
30.0
22.7
N/A
N/A
23.7
23.7
N/A
13.0
3.3
0.5
2005
87
125
N/A
0.42
N/A
15.9
29.6
20.0
N/A
N/A
27.5
22.1
N/A
13.5
4.1
0.6
2004
77
119
N/A
0.49
N/A
15.8
27.8
19.1
N/A
N/A
24.6
22.7
N/A
13.3
4.4
0.6
2003
91
119
N/A
0.47
N/A
16.8
26.4
20.3
N/A
N/A
23.9
23.1
N/A
N/A
4.1
0.9
2002
93
114
N/A
0.50
N/A
18.1
31.3
21.2
0.004
N/A
25.7
25.1
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.5
2001
84
111
N/A
0.43
N/A
18.0
29.2
21.2
0.004
N/A
25.9
20.7
N/A
N/A
3.5
1.4
2000
57
107
N/A
0.55
N/A
17.9
N/A
19.5
0.004
N/A
23.5
19.1
N/A
N/A
3.7
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
18%
Transportation
Columbus has a robust public transportation system, managed by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). Sacramento's public transport is managed by the Sacramento Regional Transit District and includes a light rail system. Commuting times in both cities are similar, approximating the national average.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
415
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.6%
1.1%
Bus
1.6%
1%
Carpooled
7.4%
12%
Car alone
86.7%
80%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.2%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Sacramento
Average
26.1 min
28.5 min
Other means
21.7 min
22.8 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Sacramento
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.7%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Housing costs are significantly higher in Sacramento, with the median home price well above the national average. Columbus offers more affordable housing options, with prices below the national average. Rental opportunities are available in both cities, with a broad range of prices.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique cultural experiences. Columbus features areas like German Village and Short North, known for their rich history and vibrant lifestyle. Meanwhile, Sacramento's Midtown and East Sacramento provide residents with a variety of dining and entertainment options, paired with a cozy, residential atmosphere.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Sacramento
Houses
422,120
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.6
Median year apartment built
1982
1977
Median year house/condo built
1977
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$976.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,558
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$449,600
Median numbers of rooms
5
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$496,462
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$630,561
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$205,310
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$382,635
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$104,325
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$463,571
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$481,210
Median house age
42
44
Renting percentage
53%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
2,168.8
House value disparities
30.2%
25.5%
Household income disparities
42.4%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$109,432
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$82,443
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
5,362 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Sacramento
One, detached
45.8%
61.7%
One, attached
9.1%
6.8%
Two
4.0%
1.8%
3 or 4
8.6%
4.8%
5 to 9
11.8%
6.9%
10 to 19
8.6%
4.9%
20 to 49
4.5%
3.5%
50 or more
6.8%
7.6%
Mobile homes
0.8%
1.9%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
12,891
State government workers
31,881
40,274
Unpaid family workers
724
755
Industries and Occupations
Healthcare, education, and government are the three leading industries in both cities, offering numerous job opportunities. But Columbus has a growing technology industry, while Sacramento sees a significant number of jobs in the agricultural sector, thanks to California's fertile soil.
Both cities offer excellent health care services. Sacramento is home to world-class medical facilities like UC Davis Medical Center, and Columbus houses renowned institutions like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Columbus boasts extensive infrastructure — with a robust road network, reliable public transportation, and large housing developments. Sacramento's infrastructure is also excellent, with a comprehensive transit system, and various types of housing, including high-end apartments and suburban homes.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Sacramento
Hospitals
47
17
TV stations
14
23
Arenas or stadiums
3
1
Bank branches located here
200
127
Bank institutions located here
25
31
Main business address for public companies
23
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Sacramento
1999
2,450
1,003
2000
2,376
1,155
2001
1,897
983
2002
1,483
1,197
2003
2,087
2,258
2004
3,216
3,872
2005
4,275
4,610
2006
4,662
4,276
2007
2,679
2,386
2008
1,015
1,381
2009
555
647
Culture and Food
Sacramento, known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," provides diverse culinary experiences and a strong emphasis on locally sourced food. Columbus also offers a rich cultural scene with various food festivals, music events, and art exhibits running throughout the year.
Sports Teams
Sports fans in Sacramento cheer for the Sacramento Kings (NBA), while in Columbus, fans root for the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and the Columbus Crew SC (MLS). College sports, especially football, are big in Columbus thanks to The Ohio State University.
Columbus, OH
Sacramento, CA
