Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Cincinnati is 15% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $63,785 in Cincinnati.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Ohio salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Cincinnati sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $195,000 in Cincinnati, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,100 in Cincinnati.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Cincinnati scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Cincinnati (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $44,003 in Cincinnati. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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