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Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO 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.

1.1% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
4.8% 4.8% 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 4.8% cheaper
Kansas City
84
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Kansas City
96
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Kansas City
100
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Kansas City
96
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Kansas City
100
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Kansas City, MO Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index9392~Same
Housing84804.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,0504.5% less
Median Home Price$240,000$215,00010.4% less
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities10098~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Kansas City, MO Cincinnati, OH
State Income Tax4.80% (top)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax4.23%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.88%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Kansas City, MO
$62,000
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 Kansas City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Kansas City (93) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Kansas City3.6%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Kansas City2.5%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Kansas City23 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Kansas City35
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Kansas City42
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Kansas City54°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Kansas City508,090
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Kansas City to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Kansas City 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kansas City 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 4.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Kansas City vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Kansas City and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Kansas City or Cincinnati?+
Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. 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 Kansas City to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Kansas City is $62,000 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 Kansas City vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Kansas City is $240,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $25,000. Property tax rates also differ: Missouri averages 0.88% while Ohio averages 1.41%.