salaryCincinnati is the 3rd-largest city in Ohio that we track, with 311,224 residents. Rent is lower than in 65% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 4.0 years of household income. Most households rent (60%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $55,160 a year. That is $27 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Ohio cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Ohio. It is number 177 of 288 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare Cincinnati with other big cities
Compare Cincinnati to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in Cincinnati?
Share of households by yearly income. 19.3% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Cincinnati
| Size | Cincinnati | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $942 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $965 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,208 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,401 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,774 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Cincinnati overall?
Everyday prices in the Cincinnati metro area are 5% below the U.S. average (index 95.4, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Cincinnati
Life in Cincinnati
What jobs pay in Cincinnati
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $140,200 | 11.8% |
| Lawyer | $130,980 | 12.6% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,700 | 12.9% |
| Physician Assistant | $128,520 | 12.9% |
| Software Developer | $121,420 | 13.6% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,450 | 16.0% |
| Dental Hygienist | $102,940 | 16.1% |
| Operations Manager | $100,670 | 16.4% |
| Civil Engineer | $98,220 | 16.8% |
| Registered Nurse | $83,650 | 19.8% |
| Accountant | $80,640 | 20.5% |
| Police Officer | $80,410 | 20.6% |
| Market Research Analyst | $75,750 | 21.8% |
| Plumber | $65,160 | 25.4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,740 | 25.6% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,180 | 25.8% |
| Electrician | $63,490 | 26.1% |
| HVAC Technician | $62,240 | 26.6% |
| Truck Driver | $60,590 | 27.3% |
| Carpenter | $60,110 | 27.5% |
| Firefighter | $58,570 | 28.3% |
| Customer Service Representative | $46,470 | 35.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $44,340 | 37.3% |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,350 | 41.0% |
| Warehouse Worker | $40,240 | 41.1% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,530 | 45.3% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,030 | 45.9% |
| Retail Salesperson | $30,810 | 53.7% |
| Cashier | $29,170 | 56.7% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Cincinnati?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $223 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $230,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $23,090 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Cincinnati, OH?
Renting in Cincinnati costs a median of about $1,379 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Ohio median is $1,261.
How much do I need to make to live in Cincinnati?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $55,160 a year, or $27 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Cincinnati cheap or expensive?
Cincinnati is rated OK: rent takes 29.0% of the typical household income of $57,062. It ranks 177th cheapest of 288 Ohio cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Cincinnati?
The median homeowner in Cincinnati pays $3,169 a year in property taxes, about 1.37% of the median home value.
Is Cincinnati more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 5% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Cincinnati?
The median home value in Cincinnati is $230,900, about 4.0 times the typical yearly household income.
311,224 people live in Cincinnati. Numbers are typical (middle) values.