Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Independence, MO (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Cincinnati and Independence have a similar cost of living.

$953/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 11%
$51,707/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 15%
$215,300 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 23%
$1,041/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ≈ Same
309,595
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $7,773/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Independence — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Independence?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Independence?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $7,773/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Missouri?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Independence

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