Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Cincinnati is 38% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$953/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 54%
$51,707/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 24%
$215,300 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 83%
$1,041/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 48%
309,595
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $12,167/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $12,167/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Jersey?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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