Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Philadelphia is 23% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,323/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 28%
$60,698/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 15%
$232,400 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 7%
$1,233/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 16%
1,582,432
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $8,991/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $8,991/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Ohio?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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