Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Phoenix is 58% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,458/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 35%
$77,041/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 33%
$381,900 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 44%
$1,430/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 27%
1,624,832
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $25,334/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Phoenix or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $25,334/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Ohio?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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.
View Phoenix details → View Cincinnati details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Cincinnati

Phoenix vs. Houston Phoenix vs. Philadelphia Phoenix vs. Chicago Phoenix vs. San Antonio Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Phoenix vs. San Diego Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark