Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Cincinnati is 7% cheaper than Pittsburgh.

$953/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 28%
$51,707/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↑ 24%
$215,300 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 10%
$1,041/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↑ 9%
309,595
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $12,430/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $12,430/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Pennsylvania?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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