Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Sacramento is 91% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,694/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 44%
$83,753/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 38%
$484,600 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 56%
$1,752/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 41%
524,802
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $741/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $8,892/year.

Median household income is $32,046/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Sacramento or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $741/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $32,046/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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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More Comparisons

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