Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Cincinnati is 5% more expensive than St. Louis.

$953/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↑ 3%
$51,707/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↑ 7%
$215,300 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 14%
$1,041/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 3%
309,595
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,572/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Cincinnati or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and St. Louis?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or St. Louis?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $3,572/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Missouri?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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