Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Cincinnati is 15% cheaper than Hartford.

$953/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 28%
$51,707/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 12%
$215,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$217,200 ≈ Same
$1,041/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 23%
309,595
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $6,407/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Hartford — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Hartford?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Hartford?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $6,407/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Connecticut?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Hartford details →

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