Anaheim, CA and Columbus, OH are both prominent US cities, though they offer diverse experiences based on their geographical locations, economic activities, and cultural landscapes. While Anaheim is recognized for its Mediterranean climate, tourist attractions such as Disneyland, and a higher cost of living, Columbus presents a four-season climate, a more affordable lifestyle, and a growing technological sector. This comparison focuses on various factors such as crime/safety, weather, and cost of living, among others, that may influence decisions on relocation or tourism.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Anaheim, CA : 1,960.9 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 162%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Anaheim has grown by 17,926 people (5.5%) during that time.
Columbus, OH has a somewhat higher crime rate when compared to the national average, primarily due to property crimes, but violent crime rates remain comparable to other cities of its size. Anaheim, CA, while generally considered safe, has a comparable crime rate to Columbus. Disneyland's presence and a dedicated police force help ensure safety in the main tourist areas.
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 1,506 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 366 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Anaheim is 959 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Columbus than in Anaheim.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Anaheim, CA is significantly higher than the national average, primarily due to high housing costs. In contrast, Columbus, Ohio, is more affordable, with the cost of living marginally below the national average. The more affordable lifestyle in Columbus may appeal more to individuals and families planning to relocate.
Income Tax
Ohio state income tax ranges from 0% to 4.797% based on income, with Columbus adding an additional 2.5% municipal tax. California has a progressive tax rate ranging from 1% to 13.3%, making it higher compared to Ohio.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Anaheim are considerably lower, with an average rate of 0.72%, compared to Columbus with an average rate of 2.04%.
Sales Tax
Ohio has a lower state sales tax than California, at 5.75% compared to California's 7.25%. The total sales tax in Columbus is 7.5%, whereas Anaheim, when considering the district tax, is approximately 8% as of 2022.
Income
Type
Columbus
Anaheim
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$81,747
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$32,827
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
88.5
If you make $50,000 in Anaheim, you will have to make $54,294 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Columbus is flat and characterized by a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. Anaheim is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, offering beaches, parks, and access to many outdoor activities.
Both cities boast excellent educational institutions. Columbus is home to Ohio State University, a renowned institution, and a top-rate public school system. Anaheim houses the University of California campus and various vocational and technical schools offering diverse educational opportunities.
While Columbus has a diversified economy with growing sectors in technology, education, government, and healthcare, Anaheim's economy heavily relies on tourism, entertainment, retail, and manufacturing. Unemployment rates in both cities are close to the national average.
Biggest Employers
In Columbus, some significant employers include Ohio State University, Nationwide, and American Electric Power. Anaheim's largest employers include Disneyland Resort, Kaiser Permanente, and Anaheim Regional Medical Center.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 85 building permits issued in Anaheim in 2012 (44 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Anaheim (Orange County), 45.8% voted for Democrats and 52.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Anaheim
Columbus
Anaheim
Columbus
Anaheim
2020
64.7%
53.6%
33.4%
44.6%
1.9%
1.8%
2016
59.8%
50.9%
33.9%
42.4%
6.2%
6.7%
2012
60.8%
45.8%
37.9%
52.0%
1.3%
2.3%
2008
59.8%
47.8%
39.0%
50.3%
1.2%
1.9%
2004
54.5%
39.3%
45.2%
60.2%
0.3%
0.5%
2000
48.9%
40.4%
47.9%
55.9%
3.2%
3.7%
1996
48.1%
37.9%
44.5%
51.7%
7.3%
10.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Anaheim
Columbus
Anaheim
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
26.5%
5.6%
4.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.4%
3.7%
2.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
2.3%
6.8%
8.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.8%
1.9%
1.3%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.2%
1.2%
0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.2%
3.3%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.3%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
1.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.6%
1.0%
2.0%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.3%
0.1%
0.2%
Weather
Anaheim enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It is an excellent choice for people who enjoy plenty of sunshine year-round. On the contrary, Columbus experiences all four seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, appealing to those who prefer a varied climate.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Anaheim
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
64.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
69.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
25.9%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
77.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
12 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
26.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
84.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
63%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
5.7 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Anaheim, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Anaheim
Columbus
Anaheim
Columbus
Anaheim
Columbus
Anaheim
Anaheim
Columbus
Anaheim
Columbus
Anaheim
Columbus
Anaheim
2018
69
139
0.11
0.36
10.0
13.7
33.8
26.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
27.5
6.0
12.1
0.0
0.7
2017
68
145
0.16
0.50
9.6
14.8
28.7
26.7
0.007
N/A
N/A
26.7
5.5
13.5
0.1
0.6
2016
76
132
0.17
0.57
10.6
14.5
28.5
26.3
0.007
N/A
N/A
24.1
5.6
12.9
0.1
0.3
2015
74
142
0.16
0.45
11.3
14.7
27.0
26.0
0.007
N/A
N/A
25.0
6.1
14.8
0.1
0.3
2014
82
138
0.20
0.40
11.0
15.0
28.5
26.7
0.008
N/A
N/A
26.7
7.4
16.2
0.5
0.5
2013
78
138
N/A
0.47
8.9
14.8
29.6
25.3
0.005
N/A
N/A
28.3
7.8
13.9
0.6
0.5
2012
87
142
N/A
0.46
N/A
14.5
32.9
25.0
0.005
N/A
N/A
27.0
8.9
14.7
N/A
0.2
2011
89
138
N/A
0.42
N/A
15.9
28.1
26.7
0.007
N/A
N/A
27.4
8.9
16.0
N/A
0.8
2010
90
130
N/A
0.44
N/A
16.7
30.5
25.8
0.009
N/A
N/A
23.5
9.1
14.9
N/A
0.6
2009
61
151
N/A
0.41
N/A
18.0
28.7
26.0
0.010
N/A
N/A
24.4
N/A
15.4
N/A
1.1
2008
65
156
N/A
0.38
N/A
20.3
31.2
26.7
0.010
N/A
N/A
30.2
N/A
18.9
1.8
1.1
2007
80
135
N/A
0.38
N/A
19.5
30.8
26.2
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
0.8
2006
75
128
N/A
0.43
N/A
19.1
30.0
26.3
0.008
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
1.3
2005
87
128
N/A
0.45
N/A
20.7
29.6
31.3
0.013
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.3
2004
77
134
N/A
0.53
N/A
19.9
27.8
37.1
0.015
N/A
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
1.6
2003
91
143
N/A
0.69
N/A
23.7
26.4
23.8
0.025
N/A
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.1
2002
93
134
N/A
0.77
N/A
24.1
31.3
21.8
0.019
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
2.1
2001
84
143
N/A
0.94
N/A
28.4
29.2
24.5
0.035
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
1.7
2000
57
152
N/A
0.80
N/A
29.4
N/A
23.0
0.030
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Anaheim
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
19.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
7,039.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
32%
Transportation
Columbus provides various public transportation options, including buses and a bike-sharing program, but commuting is often done by car due to its widespread layout. Anaheim also offers transit options through buses and trains and is closely connected to other parts of Southern California via numerous freeways.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Anaheim
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
415
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Anaheim
Bicycle
0.6%
1%
Bus
1.6%
0.9%
Carpooled
7.4%
10.8%
Car alone
86.7%
83.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2.2%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Anaheim
Average
26.1 min
30.8 min
Other means
21.7 min
28.1 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
47.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Anaheim
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.7%
85.3%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
11.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.9%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Anaheim's real estate market is quite expensive, reflecting Californian property prices, with median home values significantly above the national average. In Columbus, the real estate market is more affordable, with median home prices below the national average, making it an attractive place for real estate investment.
Neighborhoods
Columbus offers a mixture of urban and suburban neighborhoods, providing options to suit different lifestyles. Anaheim also has diverse neighborhoods, from bustling cityscapes to quiet suburban communities, although they are generally more expensive.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Anaheim
Houses
422,120
110,319
Average household size (people)
2.3
3.4
Median year apartment built
1982
1975
Median year house/condo built
1977
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
14.8 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
105,608 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
51,684 (48.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
53,924 (51.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$2,111
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,910
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$1,256,069
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$688,400
Median numbers of rooms
5
4.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$859,592
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$742,035
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$546,946
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$553,561
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$114,904
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$619,623
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$782,600
Median house age
42
48
Renting percentage
53%
51.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
2,254.1
House value disparities
30.2%
20.2%
Household income disparities
42.4%
43.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$125,169
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$86,779
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
374 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
2,222 (6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
36,875 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
2,794 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Anaheim
One, detached
45.8%
42.7%
One, attached
9.1%
8.3%
Two
4.0%
2.3%
3 or 4
8.6%
7.6%
5 to 9
11.8%
6.8%
10 to 19
8.6%
5.5%
20 to 49
4.5%
6.8%
50 or more
6.8%
17.2%
Mobile homes
0.8%
2.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
11,077
State government workers
31,881
5,046
Unpaid family workers
724
65
Industries and Occupations
Columbus' key industries include education, health, finance, and technology, with most people working in management, business, science, and arts occupations. Anaheim's dominant industries are entertainment, tourism, manufacturing, aerospace, and retail, with many residents employed in sales, management, and arts occupations.
Both cities have a high standard of healthcare. Columbus hosts several highly-rated hospitals, including the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Anaheim is served by multiple medical centers, including the Anaheim Regional Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Anaheim
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Columbus is known for its impressive infrastructure, featuring a mix of contemporary and historical buildings. The city also has a good road network and an international airport. Anaheim offers world-class hospitality facilities and a solid infrastructure supporting the entertainment and tourism sectors.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Anaheim
Hospitals
47
22
TV stations
14
6
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
200
46
Bank institutions located here
25
19
Main business address for public companies
23
7
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Anaheim
1999
2,450
914
2000
2,376
679
2001
1,897
632
2002
1,483
735
2003
2,087
1,047
2004
3,216
1,456
2005
4,275
1,965
2006
4,662
1,999
2007
2,679
1,230
2008
1,015
599
2009
555
378
Culture and Food
Both cities have a vibrant cultural scene. Columbus is known for its arts scene, with various festivals throughout the year and distinctive culinary experiences hinging on its Midwestern roots. Anaheim also offers a rich cultural experience, featuring a mix of traditional California cuisines and international food cultures thanks to its diverse demographic.
Sports Teams
Columbus is home to several professional sports teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and Columbus Crew SC (MLS). Anaheim hosts the Anaheim Ducks (NHL) and Los Angeles Angels (MLB).
Columbus, OH
Anaheim, CA
Columbus, OH and 
Anaheim, CA : 1,960.9 miles
