Cost of Living in Cincinnati, OH [2025]

Cincinnati is an up-and-coming city, ranking in the top 10 most-affordable cities in the United States. In addition to a reasonably low cost of living, Cincinnati also offers its residents an extensive park system, countless local breweries, and a thriving arts scene. Needless to say, Cincinnati is an excellent place for young families with many options for all ages.

Known as the Queen of the West or the Queen City, Cincinnati’s nickname pays homage to the late resident, the queen consort of the British King George III, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

Whether you’re moving to Cincinnati to take advantage of the relatively low cost of living, the incredible park system, or a combination of both, you’ll want to get a good idea of your costs. Let’s look at the cost of living in Cincinnati to better understand how much you need to live there.

Cost of Living in Cincinnati

What Is the Cost of Living in Cincinnati?

The cost of living in Cincinnati is 5% less expensive than the average city in our database, with the average resident spending around $2,733 a month to live in the city.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Cincinnati?

One of the most expensive neighborhoods in Cincinnati is Over-The-Rhine. According to our data from September 2025, the rent in downtown ranges from $2,014, to $3,126. This is compared to the overall median rent in Cincinnati, which is $1,087.

Where Is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in Cincinnati?

The cheapest neighborhood in Cincinnati is Westwood. According to our data from September 2025, the rent ranges from $925 to $1,106. For context, the median rent in all of Cincinnati is $1,087.

What Is the Average Rent in Cincinnati?

Rent in Cincinnati is surprisingly affordable for a major city, especially one that is such a favorite for locals. The current median one-bedroom rent in Cincinnati is $930 a month, which is slightly higher by 0.8% than it was last year. Two-bedroom rates are closer to $1,176.

If you're uncertain about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before making a long-term 12-month commitment. If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no credit check apartments. Lastly, if you prefer to rent from the owner of an apartment and have a more personal relationship with them rather than property managers, consider a for rent by owner apartment.

Median Rent Prices in Cincinnati, OH

How Much Is a One-Bedroom Apartment in Cincinnati?

Cincinnati rent costs have increased 0.2% in the past month, but it is still affordable. The current median one-bedroom rent in Cincinnati is $930 a month, but varies by neighborhood.

Average Rent by Area in Cincinnati, OH

How Much Is a Two-Bedroom Apartment in Cincinnati?

If you need more space or are teaming up with a roommate, you'll spend a median rent of $1,176 on a two-bedroom apartment in Cincinnati. Prices can fluctuate based on location and amenities.

How Much Is Housing in Cincinnati?

Cincinnati rent prices are lower than average but have seen steady growth. Current prices are comparable to rent prices in Akron, Ohio, or Lincoln, Nebraska. The median home price in Cincinnati is $210,800, while the national average is $338,100.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Cincinnati?

To determine what salary you should be searching for in Cincinnati, you can consider following the 30% rule for rent. If you plan to follow this rule, you should not be spending more than one-third, or 30%, of your gross income on rent. So at the median rate of $930 for a one-bedroom, you would need to earn around $41,000 a year to live comfortably in Cincinnati.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Cincinnati is $51,707 per year, or roughly $14.35 an hour. Thankfully, the typical annual salaries for common professions in Cincinnati are highly competitive. The three highest typical annual salaries belong to Management, Legal, and Architecture and Engineering positions, respectively.

How Much Is Transportation in Cincinnati?

If you're a single adult without children, you'll spend about $10,473 for transportation in Cincinnati annually. A family of four, including two working adults and two children, will pay $17,567 for transportation annually. Gasoline prices are around $3.20 per gallon as of September 2025.

Cincinnati’s official public transportation operator is the Metro, serving Hamilton, Warren, Butler, and Clermont counties into Cincinnati. Metro operates 365 days a year as early as 4:00 am to 1:30 am.

Public transportation in Cincinnati is not the most dependable, so you will most likely need to have a vehicle of your own. If you plan to make the most out of living in Cincinnati, you’ll probably want to have a car to get around and see all of the sights.

How Much Are Groceries in Cincinnati?

Cincinnati offers countless dining options with a handful of authentic foods you have to add to your must-eat list, including Cincinnati-Style Chili, goetta, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and Buckeyes.

If you're a single adult without children, you can expect to pay at least $4,052 on food per year. However, if you're a family of four with two working adults and two children, you can expect to pay $11,876 per year for food.

Eating out in Cincinnati costs an average of $15 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, while a three-course dinner for two people at a mid-range restaurant runs $60 without alcohol or dessert.

You can anticipate paying below the national average for food items from local grocery stores like Kroger, Remke, or Whole Foods Market. For example, one gallon of regular milk costs $3.22 in the grocery store, while the national average is $3.84.

How Much Is Child Care in Cincinnati?

In Cincinnati, child-care costs average roughly $13,745 a year for one child, and $25,988 for two children.

If these prices feel steep, parents get creative to reduce them. Some possibilities include job‐sharing, co-ops, or nanny sharing with other families, which can reduce how much money is spent. In addition, remote work or flexible schedules might allow for lower-cost care or reduce total hours needed in full‐time daycare.

How Much Is Healthcare in Cincinnati?

When planning your budget in Cincinnati, account for proper medical care. A single adult without children will pay around $3,297 for medical care over a year. Two working adults with two children will pay $9,010.

Of course, circumstances may vary depending on lifestyle, age, and other various factors. So, it's best to do your research and shop around before making a final decision about your health insurance costs.

How Much Are Utilities in Cincinnati?

Cincinnati’s basic utilities include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, running $126.18 for a 915-sq. ft. apartment.

Adding on the Internet with 60 Mbps or more with unlimited data, cable/ADSL will cost you an extra $59.36 for a total of $185.54 each month.

Before moving, it’s a good idea to find out how much utilities will cost in an apartment so you can get a better idea of what to expect and budget accordingly.

Cincinnati, Fitness and Entertainment

With four very different seasons in Cincinnati, you’ll want to consider fitness club membership costs to keep fit throughout the year. The monthly fee for a fitness club membership for one adult is $31.58. Tennis court rentals average out to be $8.75 an hour.

Otherwise, when weather permits, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of Cincinnati outdoors. Enjoy hiking trails along the Riverwalk, Lunken Playfield, or Parkers Woods. Cincinnati’s other great walking and hiking paths can be found at California Woods Nature Preserve, French Park, and LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Preserve.

Thankfully, if you prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of entertainment options throughout the city. For example, if you enjoy the local cinema, it will cost you $15.00 without snacks or drinks. You can save a few bucks by checking out one of the 41 incredible parks in Cincinnati, with fun outdoor activities for all ages.

How Much Are Taxes in Cincinnati?

Ohio has a progressive income tax rate and a remarkably low state tax. In Cincinnati, the Ohio state sales tax is 5.75%, and the Hamilton County sales tax rate adds another 2.05%, making the total sales tax rate for the city 7.80%.

Cincinnati’s Job Market

The good news for anyone looking to call Cincinnati home is that it provides a low cost of living and a strong job market. The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is higher than the national average of 4.3% and is currently at 5.2%.

While Cincinnati has deep roots in the meatpacking industry, it has evolved into a city with much more. Various Fortune 500 companies are significant employers in Cincinnati, including Procter & Gamble and Kroger. Other major industries in Cincinnati include science and health care.

Find Your Next Apartment in Cincinnati

Don’t waste weeks scrolling or settle for a place that doesn’t fit your needs. The various neighborhoods in Cincinnati have something for every budget and lifestyle.

Ready to find a new apartment? Take Apartment List’s personalized quiz to get matched with apartments that fit your needs, must-haves, and move-in timeline. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs: What to Know About the Cost of Living in Cincinnati

How expensive is it to live in Cincinnati?

The current median one-bedroom rent in Cincinnati is $930 a month. Two-bedrooms are around $1,176.

How far is Cincinnati from Columbus?

Cincinnati to Columbus, Ohio is 106.6 miles via I-71 S. It takes about an hour and a half to drive from Columbus to Cincinnati.

How far is Cincinnati from Indianapolis?

Cincinnati to Indianapolis is 112.3 miles via I-74. It takes one hour and 45-minutes to drive from Cincinnati to Indianapolis.

How far is Cincinnati from Kansas City?

Cincinnati to Kansas City, MO is 5891. miles via I-70 E. It takes almost 9 hours to drive between Cincinnati and Kansas City on the Missouri side. It's

Cincinnati to Kansas City, KS is 592 miles via I-70 E. It takes almost 9 hours to drive between Cincinnati and Kansas City on the Kansas side.

What is the population of Cincinnati?

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the population of Cincinnati was 308,935 in 2020. Ohio’s population is 11,756,058.

What is the cheapest rent in Cincinnati?

The cheapest neighborhood in Cincinnati is Westwood. According to our data, the rent ranges from $925 to $1,106. For context, the median rent in all of Cincinnati is $1,087.

How expensive is it to live in Cincinnati?

One of the most expensive neighborhoods in Cincinnati is Over-The-Rhine. The rent in Over-The-Rhine ranges from $2,014, to $3,126. This is compared to the overall median rent in Cincinnati, which is $1,087. That varies depending on the neighborhood you live in.

In addition to rent costs, Cincinnati residents can expect to pay $10,473 for a single adult each year on transportation. A single adult will pay around $3,297 yearly for healthcare and $4,052 for food.

What is the population of Cincinnati?

The population in Cincinnati is 309,317.

What is a good salary in Cincinnati?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Cincinnati is $56,910 or about $27.36 an hour. The gold standard for budgeting is that your housing cost shouldn’t exceed 30% of your monthly income before taxes.

In Cincinnati, if the rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $900, a resident should make around $36,000 annually before taxes. This is $3000 a month or $17.31 an hour.