Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Cincinnati is 13% more expensive than Springfield.

$953/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$945/mo ≈ Same
$51,707/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 27%
$215,300 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 28%
$1,041/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 6%
309,595
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,830/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Springfield — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Springfield?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Springfield?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $13,830/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Springfield

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