Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Indianapolis is 7% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,112/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 14%
$62,995/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 18%
$207,000 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$215,300 ↑ 4%
$1,124/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 7%
882,043
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $11,288/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $11,288/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Ohio?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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