Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Cincinnati is 22% cheaper than St. Paul.

$953/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↑ 31%
$51,707/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 41%
$215,300 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 30%
$1,041/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 34%
309,595
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $21,348/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Cincinnati or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and St. Paul?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or St. Paul?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $21,348/year higher in St. Paul.
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 St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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