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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

17.9% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
39.4% 39.4% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 39.4% cheaper
Denver
132
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation 4.8% cheaper
Denver
105
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% cheaper
Denver
104
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities 2.1% more
Denver
96
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1129217.9% less
Housing1328039.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,05035.2% less
Median Home Price$540,000$215,00060.2% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation1051004.8% less
Healthcare104967.7% less
Utilities96982.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Cincinnati, OH
State Income Tax4.40%3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Denver713,252
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Denver to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 39.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $570 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Cincinnati?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $325,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Ohio averages 1.41%.