Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Cincinnati is 29% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $53,320 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cincinnati scores 99 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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