Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Cincinnati is 42% cheaper than Tempe.

$953/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 70%
$51,707/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 50%
$215,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 96%
$1,041/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 49%
309,595
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $670/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $8,040/year.

Median household income is $25,936/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Tempe — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Tempe?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $670/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Tempe?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $25,936/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Arizona?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Tempe

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