Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Portland is 100% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,596/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 40%
$88,792/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 42%
$557,600 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 61%
$1,771/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 41%
642,715
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $37,085/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Portland or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $37,085/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Ohio?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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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