Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Cincinnati is 43% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $42,656 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $605,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cincinnati scores 99 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
Amazon affiliate links