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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

14.8% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
27.3% 27.3% cheaper housing
9.4% 9.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 27.3% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries 9.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation 10.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare 8.6% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities 9.3% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1089214.8% less
Housing1108027.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,05030.0% less
Median Home Price$280,000$215,00023.2% less
Groceries106969.4% less
Transportation11210010.7% less
Healthcare105968.6% less
Utilities108989.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Cincinnati, OH
State Income Tax3.07%3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
Cincinnati, OH
$58,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Cincinnati outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Cincinnati309,317

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 27.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Cincinnati?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Ohio averages 1.41%.