Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Seattle is 184% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,998/mo ↑ 110%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 52%
$121,984/yr ↑ 136%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 58%
$912,100 ↑ 324%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 76%
$2,220/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 53%
741,440
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,045/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $12,540/year.

Median household income is $70,277/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Seattle or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $1,045/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $70,277/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Ohio?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Cincinnati

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