Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Austin is 94% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,655/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 42%
$91,461/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 43%
$512,700 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 58%
$1,747/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 40%
967,862
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $39,754/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Austin or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $39,754/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with rent of $953/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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