salaryCincinnati is 8% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Cincinnati to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,379
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,208
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$57,062
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$230,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
95.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$3,169
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$147
👥 People living there
2,711,226
311,224
Commute to work
33.1 min
22.4 min
College degree
44.3%
41.8%
Own their home
46%
39.8%
Below poverty line
16.8%
25.5%
Unemployment
8%
6.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Cincinnati for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Cincinnati | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $63,490 | -38% in Cincinnati |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $65,160 | -37% in Cincinnati |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $58,570 | -29% in Cincinnati |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $80,410 | -25% in Cincinnati |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $60,110 | -25% in Cincinnati |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $130,980 | -21% in Cincinnati |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $62,240 | -20% in Cincinnati |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $78,070 | $64,180 | -18% in Cincinnati |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Cincinnati is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,379 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Cincinnati to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $55,236 a year gives the same standard of living in Cincinnati.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Cincinnati?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $57,062 in Cincinnati, 47% more in Chicago.