Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Nashville is 59% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,486/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 36%
$75,197/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 31%
$383,100 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 44%
$1,471/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 29%
684,298
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $23,490/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Nashville or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $23,490/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Ohio?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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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