Columbus, IN vs Oakland, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Columbus
81.7
#37 nationally
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 29). Columbus leads in average commute (18.1 min vs 32.1 min). Columbus leads in cost of living index (96 vs 155).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.7 (#37) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 51,522 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,533 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $75,114 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 18.1 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 0.4 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+27.3 | D+53.6 |
B-
81.7 Score
Columbus, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$281,533
Population
51,522
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
29
Midwest
View Columbus, IN →
D-
62 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →