Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Tampa is 64% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,567/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 39%
$71,302/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 27%
$375,300 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 43%
$1,553/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 33%
393,389
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $614/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $7,368/year.

Median household income is $19,595/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Tampa or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $614/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $19,595/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Ohio?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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