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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL 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.

8.9% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
27.3% 27.3% 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 27.3% cheaper
Tampa
110
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries 4.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Tampa
95
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities 4.9% cheaper
Tampa
103
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index101928.9% less
Housing1108027.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,05027.6% less
Median Home Price$365,000$215,00041.1% less
Groceries100964.0% less
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities103984.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Cincinnati, OH
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$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 Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Cincinnati309,317

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Cincinnati?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Tampa to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Tampa 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 Tampa vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $150,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Ohio averages 1.41%.