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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Cincinnati is 23% cheaper than Elgin.

$953/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 32%
$51,707/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 71%
$215,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 17%
$1,041/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 44%
309,595
Population
114,106

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
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $36,609/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Elgin — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Elgin?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Elgin?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $36,609/year higher in Elgin.
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 Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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