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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Cincinnati is 53% cheaper than Jersey City.

$953/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 100%
$51,707/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 83%
$215,300 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 148%
$1,041/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 93%
309,595
Population
289,691

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $949/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $11,388/year.

Median household income is $43,106/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Jersey City?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $949/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Jersey City?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $43,106/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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