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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Modesto

California
120

Cincinnati is 42% cheaper than Modesto.

$953/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 69%
$51,707/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 51%
$215,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 93%
$1,041/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 55%
309,595
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $656/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $7,872/year.

Median household income is $26,192/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Modesto — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Modesto?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $656/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Modesto?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $26,192/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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