Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Cincinnati is 17% more expensive than Syracuse.

$953/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↑ 5%
$51,707/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 11%
$215,300 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 42%
$1,041/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 6%
309,595
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,862/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Syracuse?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Syracuse?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $5,862/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New York?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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