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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Cincinnati is 34% cheaper than Worcester.

$953/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 48%
$51,707/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 31%
$215,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 58%
$1,041/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 46%
309,595
Population
205,501

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $462/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $5,544/year.

Median household income is $15,837/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Worcester — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Worcester?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $462/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Worcester?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $15,837/year higher in Worcester.
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 Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Worcester

Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock