Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Providence, RI (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Cincinnati is 30% cheaper than Providence.

$953/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 40%
$51,707/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 29%
$215,300 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 50%
$1,041/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 41%
309,595
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.99%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $15,065/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Providence — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Providence?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Providence?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $15,065/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Rhode Island?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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