Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Cleveland is 26% cheaper than Cincinnati.

$894/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↑ 7%
$39,187/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↑ 32%
$94,100 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$215,300 ↑ 129%
$866/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↑ 20%
367,523
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $12,520/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Cleveland or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $12,520/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Ohio?
Both cities are in Ohio and share the same state tax rates: 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/mo, while Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with rent of $953/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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