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Cincinnati, OH vs Cleveland, OH

80
Cincinnati
Ohio
VS
+18.1%
67
Cleveland
Ohio

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Cleveland is 18.1% cheaper than Cincinnati. With a cost index of 67 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Cleveland to Cincinnati should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month compared to $894/month in Cleveland — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cleveland is more affordable at $94,100 median vs $215,300.

Median household income in Cincinnati is $51,707 compared to $39,187 in Cleveland (+31.9%). While Cincinnati is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cincinnati spend roughly 22.1% of their income on rent, less than the 27.4% in Cleveland.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54.8°F vs 52.3°F). Cincinnati receives more rainfall at 43.4" per year compared to 33.3" in Cleveland.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Cincinnati
80
Cleveland
67
15% cheaper
Median Household Income
Cincinnati
$51,707
24% higher
Cleveland
$39,187

Housing

Median Rent
Cincinnati
$953
Cleveland
$894
6% cheaper
Median Home Value
Cincinnati
$215,300
Cleveland
$94,100
56% cheaper
Population
Cincinnati
309,595
Cleveland
367,523

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Cincinnati $2.89
Cleveland $2.89
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Cincinnati $2.36
Cleveland $2.35
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Cincinnati $3.80
Cleveland $3.79
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Cincinnati $1.75
Cleveland $1.74
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Cincinnati $3.91
Cleveland $3.90
US $4.14
Electricity
Cincinnati $0.17
Cleveland $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Cincinnati 54.8°F
Cleveland 52.3°F
Summer High
Cincinnati 87°F
Cleveland 81°F
Winter Low
Cincinnati 24°F
Cleveland 24°F
Rainfall
Cincinnati 43.4"
Cleveland 33.3"
Rainy Days
Cincinnati 132d
Cleveland 138d