Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Raleigh is 59% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,468/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 35%
$82,424/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 37%
$377,800 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 43%
$1,487/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 30%
470,763
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $515/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $6,180/year.

Median household income is $30,717/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 Raleigh and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $515/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $30,717/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Ohio?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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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