Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Cincinnati is 58% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$953/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 100%
$51,707/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 108%
$215,300 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 230%
$1,041/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 75%
309,595
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $957/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $11,484/year.

Median household income is $55,665/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $957/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $55,665/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Arizona?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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