Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Cincinnati is 26% cheaper than Rochester.

$953/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 38%
$51,707/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 70%
$215,300 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 34%
$1,041/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 28%
309,595
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $36,060/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Rochester — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Rochester?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Rochester?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $36,060/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Minnesota?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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