Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Cincinnati is 31% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $51,705 in Cincinnati.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $235,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cincinnati scores 99 while Columbia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are lower than Columbia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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