Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Cincinnati is 4% more affordable than Greenville. A $75,000 salary in Greenville is equivalent to $71,842 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 · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cincinnati scores 99 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are lower than Greenville (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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