Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Athens, GA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Cincinnati is 17% cheaper than Athens.

$953/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 22%
$51,707/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,655/yr ≈ Same
$215,300 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 26%
$1,041/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 12%
309,595
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $52/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Athens — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Athens?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Athens?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $52/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Georgia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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