Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Chicago is 45% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,380/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 31%
$75,134/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 31%
$315,200 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 32%
$1,502/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 31%
2,707,648
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $23,427/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Chicago or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $23,427/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Ohio?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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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More Comparisons

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