Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Cincinnati is 26% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $55,488 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $385,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cincinnati scores 99 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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