Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Denver is 113% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,770/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 46%
$91,681/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 44%
$586,700 ↑ 173%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 63%
$1,839/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 43%
713,734
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $817/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $9,804/year.

Median household income is $39,974/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Denver or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $817/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $39,974/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Ohio?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Cincinnati

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