Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Cincinnati is 15% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno 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: Ohio salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cincinnati scores 99 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are lower than Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
Amazon affiliate links