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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Houston is 28% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,313/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 27%
$62,894/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 18%
$253,400 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 15%
$1,316/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 21%
2,300,419
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $11,187/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Houston or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $11,187/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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