Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Cincinnati is 16% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $63,194 in Cincinnati.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Ohio salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Cincinnati sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $195,000 in Cincinnati, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,100 in Cincinnati.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Cincinnati scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Cincinnati (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $44,003 in Cincinnati. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
Amazon affiliate links