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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Cincinnati is 31% cheaper than Aurora.

$953/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 61%
$51,707/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 74%
$215,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 21%
$1,041/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 53%
309,595
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $38,402/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Aurora — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Aurora 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 Cincinnati and Aurora?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Aurora?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $38,402/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

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