Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Cincinnati is 60% cheaper than Alexandria.

$953/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 113%
$51,707/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 120%
$215,300 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 224%
$1,041/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 109%
309,595
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,078/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $12,936/year.

Median household income is $61,931/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Alexandria?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $1,078/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Alexandria?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $61,931/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Virginia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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