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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

6.1% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
23.1% 23.1% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.1% cheaper
Raleigh
104
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Raleigh
96
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Raleigh
98
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index98926.1% less
Housing1048023.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,05022.2% less
Median Home Price$385,000$215,00044.2% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities9898~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Cincinnati, OH
State Income Tax4.50%3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Raleigh to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 23.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Cincinnati?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $170,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Ohio averages 1.41%.