Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Durham, NC (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Cincinnati is 34% cheaper than Durham.

$953/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 48%
$51,707/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 53%
$215,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 65%
$1,041/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 38%
309,595
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $27,527/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Durham — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Durham 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 Durham?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Durham?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $27,527/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and North Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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