Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Madison, WI (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Cincinnati is 33% cheaper than Madison.

$953/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 43%
$51,707/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 49%
$215,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 61%
$1,041/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 42%
309,595
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
7.65%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $25,276/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Madison — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Madison?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Madison?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $25,276/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Wisconsin?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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