Austin vs Cincinnati: cost of living compared
Cincinnati is 25% cheaper than Austin overall. Austin (TX) has no state income tax; OH tops out around 3.5%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Cincinnati to Austin means a significantly higher overall cost of living, driven primarily by housing expenses. While some categories like food and healthcare are more comparable, transportation and utilities also contribute to Austin's higher price tag. Conversely, a move from Austin to Cincinnati would provide substantial savings across most budget areas, making everyday expenses much more manageable.
Housing
Housing costs present the most dramatic difference. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Austin than in Cincinnati. Austin's real estate market features a mix of newer construction and established homes, often with higher property taxes. Cincinnati offers more affordable housing options, including many historic homes and a lower median price point for both purchases and rentals, making homeownership more accessible.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses vary. Austin has no state income tax, which can be a significant advantage compared to Ohio's state income tax. However, transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous goods and services are all noticeably more expensive in Austin. Food and healthcare costs are somewhat similar, but overall, a move to Cincinnati would mean lower prices for most routine purchases and services.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Austin offers a warm, often hot climate with a vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere and a sprawling layout. Public transit is available but many rely on personal vehicles. Cincinnati experiences four distinct seasons, including colder winters and humid summers, with a more compact urban core and a well-established public transit system. Both cities offer diverse cultural and recreational opportunities, but their general feel and climate differ considerably.
Bottom line
For those considering a move between these two cities, the financial impact is substantial. A household budget will stretch much further in Cincinnati, particularly regarding housing. While Austin offers the benefit of no state income tax, this is generally outweighed by the much higher costs for housing, transportation, and utilities. The decision ultimately balances lifestyle preferences with a significant difference in financial outlay.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 132 | 66 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 92 |
| Food index | 102 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 98 |
| Misc index | 102 | 88 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $228,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 30 min | 26 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Cincinnati home with the True Cost Calculator.