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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Irvine

California
256

Cincinnati is 187% cheaper than Irvine.

$953/mo ↓ 67%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 204%
$51,707/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 151%
$215,300 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 418%
$1,041/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 179%
309,595
Population
308,160

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,940/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $23,280/year.

Median household income is $77,940/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Irvine — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Irvine?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,940/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Irvine?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $77,940/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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