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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Cincinnati is 13% cheaper than Springfield.

$953/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 17%
$51,707/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,339/yr ≈ Same
$215,300 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 3%
$1,041/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 23%
309,595
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $368/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $222,700 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, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Springfield?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Springfield?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $368/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Massachusetts?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% 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 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Springfield details →

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