Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Cincinnati is 12% more affordable than Dallas. A $75,000 salary in Dallas is equivalent to $66,262 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Dallas sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $310,000 in Dallas, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $1,500 in Dallas.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cincinnati scores 99 while Dallas scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are lower than Dallas (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $54,747 in Dallas. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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