Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Downey, CA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Downey

California
169

Cincinnati is 59% cheaper than Downey.

$953/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 99%
$51,707/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 69%
$215,300 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 238%
$1,041/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 92%
309,595
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $939/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $11,268/year.

Median household income is $35,693/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Downey — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Downey?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $939/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Downey?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $35,693/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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