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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Cincinnati is 31% cheaper than Newark.

$953/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↑ 40%
$51,707/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 6%
$215,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$337,800 ↑ 57%
$1,041/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 36%
309,595
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.625%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $3,291/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Newark — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Newark?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Newark?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $3,291/year higher in Cincinnati.
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 Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Newark details →