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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Cincinnati, OH

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

10.7% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
32.2% 32.2% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 32.2% cheaper
Austin
118
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1039210.7% less
Housing1188032.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,05027.6% less
Median Home Price$425,000$215,00049.4% less
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9796~Same
Utilities9998~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Cincinnati, OH
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Cincinnati, OH
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Cincinnati costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Cincinnati to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Austin979,882
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Austin to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Cincinnati → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Cincinnati →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Cincinnati vs Portland → Cincinnati vs Phoenix → Cincinnati vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?+
Cincinnati is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 32.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Cincinnati?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $58,000 in Cincinnati. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $210,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Ohio averages 1.41%.