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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN 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.

11.5% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
25.9% 25.9% 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 25.9% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation 5.7% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities 3.2% more
Minneapolis
95
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1049211.5% less
Housing1088025.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,05022.2% less
Median Home Price$330,000$215,00034.8% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation1061005.7% less
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities95983.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Cincinnati, OH
State Income Tax9.85% (top)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.88%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
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 Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Minneapolis to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 25.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Cincinnati?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. 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 Minneapolis to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 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 Minneapolis vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Ohio averages 1.41%.