Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Cincinnati is 34% cheaper than Clearwater.

$953/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 61%
$51,707/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 25%
$215,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 51%
$1,041/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 36%
309,595
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $586/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $7,032/year.

Median household income is $12,733/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Clearwater?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $586/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Clearwater?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $12,733/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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