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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Cincinnati is 59% cheaper than Fairfield.

$953/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 130%
$51,707/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 98%
$215,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 175%
$1,041/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 114%
309,595
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,238/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $14,856/year.

Median household income is $50,614/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Fairfield?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,238/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Fairfield?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $50,614/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Fairfield details →

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