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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN 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.

7.1% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
25.9% 25.9% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.9% cheaper
Nashville
108
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Nashville
95
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Nashville
93
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Nashville
97
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index99927.1% less
Housing1088025.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,05023.9% less
Median Home Price$395,000$215,00045.6% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation99100~Same
Healthcare93963.2% more
Utilities9798~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Cincinnati, OH
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
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 Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Cincinnati309,317

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $330 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Cincinnati?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Nashville to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 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 Nashville vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $180,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Ohio averages 1.41%.