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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Cincinnati is 69% cheaper than Pasadena.

$953/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 133%
$51,707/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 101%
$215,300 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 385%
$1,041/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 125%
309,595
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,265/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $15,180/year.

Median household income is $52,071/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Pasadena?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,265/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Pasadena?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $52,071/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Pasadena details →

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