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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Cincinnati is 71% cheaper than Cambridge.

$953/mo ↓ 65%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 188%
$51,707/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 145%
$215,300 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 383%
$1,041/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 153%
309,595
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,789/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $21,468/year.

Median household income is $74,762/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Cambridge?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,789/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Cambridge?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $74,762/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Massachusetts?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Cambridge details →

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