Cincinnati vs Los Angeles: cost of living compared
Los Angeles is 99% more expensive than Cincinnati overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 9.3% in CA.
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 Los Angeles represents a substantial increase in overall expenses. Los Angeles's cost of living is dramatically higher than the national average, while Cincinnati's is noticeably lower. The primary driver of this significant difference is housing, which is vastly more expensive in Los Angeles. Other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to the much higher price tag of living in Southern California.
Housing
Housing costs present the most striking contrast between these two metros. Both buying a home and renting an apartment in Los Angeles are considerably more expensive than in Cincinnati. The median home price in Los Angeles is several times higher, and a one-bedroom rental commands a much larger monthly sum. Cincinnati offers a more traditional housing stock with varied architectural styles, while Los Angeles features a mix of dense urban living and sprawling suburban developments.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are consistently higher in Los Angeles. State income tax in California is significantly greater than in Ohio. Transportation costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance, are elevated in Los Angeles, and commutes tend to be longer. Groceries, healthcare services, and utility bills also demand a larger portion of a household budget in Los Angeles compared to Cincinnati, where these costs are closer to or below the national average.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these cities means a shift in environment. Los Angeles offers a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine and mild winters, contrasting with Cincinnati's four distinct seasons, including colder winters and humid summers. Los Angeles is known for its vast urban sprawl and car-dependent culture, though public transit options exist. Cincinnati has a more compact urban core with a different pace, and a shorter average commute time.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are profound. A household budget that comfortably supports a lifestyle in Cincinnati will likely be stretched considerably in Los Angeles, primarily due to the enormous disparity in housing expenses. While Los Angeles offers a unique climate and diverse opportunities, the cost of living across nearly all categories is substantially elevated, requiring a much higher income to maintain a similar standard of living.
| Measure | Cincinnati, OH | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 175 |
| Housing index | 66 | 201 |
| Transportation index | 92 | 129 |
| Food index | 92 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 118 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 128 |
| Misc index | 88 | 118 |
| Median home price | $228,000 | $795,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Los Angeles home with the True Cost Calculator.