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Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, 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.

4.2% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
9.1% 9.1% cheaper housing
4.0% 4.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.1% cheaper
Pittsburgh
88
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries 4.0% cheaper
Pittsburgh
100
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation 3.8% cheaper
Pittsburgh
104
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Pittsburgh
98
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities 5.8% cheaper
Pittsburgh
104
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Pittsburgh, PA Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index96924.2% less
Housing88809.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,05012.5% less
Median Home Price$225,000$215,0004.4% less
Groceries100964.0% less
Transportation1041003.8% less
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities104985.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Pittsburgh, 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

Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
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 Pittsburgh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Pittsburgh (96) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Pittsburgh4.1%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Pittsburgh1.9%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Pittsburgh28 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Pittsburgh62
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Pittsburgh46
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Pittsburgh51°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Pittsburgh302,971
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 9.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Pittsburgh vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Pittsburgh and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $60,000 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 Pittsburgh vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Pittsburgh is $225,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Ohio averages 1.41%.