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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Richmond

California
161

Cincinnati is 57% cheaper than Richmond.

$953/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 99%
$51,707/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 74%
$215,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 202%
$1,041/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 94%
309,595
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $942/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $11,304/year.

Median household income is $38,331/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Richmond — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Richmond?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $942/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Richmond?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $38,331/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Richmond

Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell