Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Cincinnati is 22% cheaper than Norfolk.

$953/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 31%
$51,707/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↑ 24%
$215,300 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 26%
$1,041/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 31%
309,595
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $12,310/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Norfolk?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Norfolk?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $12,310/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Virginia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Norfolk details →

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