Cincinnati vs Denver: cost of living compared
Denver is 45% more expensive than Cincinnati overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 4.4% in CO.
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 between Cincinnati and Denver involves a substantial shift in overall cost of living. Cincinnati offers a significantly more affordable environment, with expenses well below the national average. Denver, conversely, presents a considerably higher cost of living, driven primarily by its housing market, which is well above the national benchmark. This difference in housing costs is the most impactful factor in the overall comparison.
Housing
Housing costs represent the largest disparity between these two cities. Both buying a home and renting an apartment in Cincinnati are noticeably more affordable than in Denver. Cincinnati features a mix of historic and newer homes, often with more land for the price. Denver's housing market is much more competitive, with higher prices for both single-family homes and apartments, reflecting its rapid growth and desirability. Property taxes and insurance costs will also generally reflect these price differences.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses also differ. Cincinnati generally offers lower costs for transportation, groceries, and healthcare compared to Denver. Utilities are roughly similar in both metros. Regarding state income tax, Ohio's top marginal rate is somewhat lower than Colorado's flat rate. These combined factors mean that routine household spending, from filling your pantry to doctor visits, will be more economical in Cincinnati.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences extend beyond cost. Cincinnati, situated in a river valley, experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Its transit system is primarily bus-based, and the city offers a more traditional Midwestern pace. Denver, nestled against the Rocky Mountains, enjoys a drier, sunnier climate with mild winters and hot summers, often with less humidity. Its public transit includes light rail, and the city generally has a more active, outdoor-oriented culture and a faster pace.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Cincinnati offers a much more budget-friendly existence, particularly regarding housing. While Denver provides access to mountain recreation and a different climate, it comes with a significantly higher price tag across most spending categories. A household's budget will stretch considerably further in Cincinnati, allowing for different financial priorities compared to the higher cost environment of Denver.
| Measure | Cincinnati, OH | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 128 |
| Housing index | 66 | 146 |
| Transportation index | 92 | 104 |
| Food index | 92 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 98 |
| Misc index | 88 | 108 |
| Median home price | $228,000 | $548,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,950/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Denver home with the True Cost Calculator.