Cincinnati vs Philadelphia: cost of living compared
Philadelphia is 27% more expensive than Cincinnati overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 3.5% in OH.
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
Overall, Cincinnati offers a significantly more affordable cost of living compared to Philadelphia. The most substantial difference stems from housing expenses, which are considerably lower in Cincinnati. Other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to Philadelphia being a more expensive place to reside, making Cincinnati a much more budget-friendly option across the board.
Housing
Housing costs present a major contrast. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are substantially more expensive in Philadelphia. Cincinnati's housing market is noticeably more accessible, with median home prices and rental rates for a one-bedroom unit being much lower. Philadelphia's housing stock often includes historic rowhouses and urban apartments, while Cincinnati offers a mix of traditional homes and more suburban options.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are generally higher in Philadelphia. Transportation costs are considerably greater, and food, healthcare, and utilities are also more expensive than in Cincinnati. Regarding state income tax, Pennsylvania's rate is slightly lower than Ohio's, but this difference is unlikely to offset the higher costs in other everyday spending categories in Philadelphia.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Cincinnati experiences a more traditional four-season climate with distinct winters and warm summers, while Philadelphia's climate is similar but often feels more humid. Philadelphia is a denser, more walkable city with extensive public transit and a faster pace, leading to a longer average commute. Cincinnati, while having an urban core, generally offers a more spread-out feel and relies more on personal vehicles.
Bottom line
Moving from Cincinnati to Philadelphia will generally mean a noticeable increase in your overall household expenses, primarily driven by significantly higher housing and transportation costs. Conversely, a move to Cincinnati from Philadelphia would likely free up a considerable portion of your budget. Your daily spending and commute times will also likely be impacted, with Philadelphia generally demanding more time and money.
| Measure | Cincinnati, OH | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 112 |
| Housing index | 66 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 92 | 120 |
| Food index | 92 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 105 |
| Misc index | 88 | 102 |
| Median home price | $228,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,550/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 Philadelphia home with the True Cost Calculator.