Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Dallas is 41% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,403/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 32%
$67,760/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 24%
$295,300 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 27%
$1,409/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 26%
1,299,553
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $16,053/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Dallas or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $16,053/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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