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Cost of Living: Richmond, VA 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.

8.0% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
23.1% 23.1% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

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

Detailed Breakdown

Category Richmond, VA Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index100928.0% less
Housing1048023.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,05019.2% less
Median Home Price$320,000$215,00032.8% less
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities10098~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Richmond, VA Cincinnati, OH
State Income Tax5.75% (top)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax5.30%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.74%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Richmond, VA
$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 Richmond lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Richmond (100) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Richmond3.4%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Richmond2.5%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Richmond24 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Richmond52
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Richmond38
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Richmond58°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Richmond226,610
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Richmond to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Richmond and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Richmond or Cincinnati?+
Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. 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 Richmond to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Richmond 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 Richmond vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Richmond is $320,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: Virginia averages 0.74% while Ohio averages 1.41%.