Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Boston is 155% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$2,093/mo ↑ 120%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 54%
$94,755/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 45%
$710,400 ↑ 230%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 70%
$2,176/mo ↑ 109%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 52%
663,972
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,140/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $13,680/year.

Median household income is $43,048/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Boston or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $1,140/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $43,048/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Ohio?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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