Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Cincinnati is 53% cheaper than Naperville.

$953/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 94%
$51,707/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 192%
$215,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 137%
$1,041/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 108%
309,595
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $899/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $10,788/year.

Median household income is $99,230/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Naperville — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Naperville?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $899/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Naperville?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $99,230/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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