Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is about the same as 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
Cincinnati and Pittsburgh present a remarkably similar overall cost of living, both sitting comfortably below the national average. While housing costs show some variation, other everyday expenses largely balance out the differences. A move between these two cities would likely not result in a dramatic shift in your total monthly expenditures, but specific spending categories could feel a bit different depending on your priorities.
Housing
Housing in Pittsburgh is slightly more affordable when considering median home prices, though both cities offer a lower cost for purchasing a home compared to the national average. Rental costs for a one-bedroom apartment are roughly the same in both locations. Both metros feature a mix of established neighborhoods with older homes and some newer developments. When considering ownership, remember to factor in property taxes and insurance, which can vary.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for food, healthcare, and utilities are generally comparable, with Pittsburgh seeing slightly higher costs for food and utilities, and Cincinnati having slightly higher healthcare expenses. Transportation costs are a bit lower in Cincinnati. State income tax is somewhat lower in Pennsylvania, which could offer a modest advantage for earners in Pittsburgh. These differences mean your daily spending might shift slightly depending on your consumption habits.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both cities are situated in regions with four distinct seasons, experiencing cold winters and warm summers. Pittsburgh is known for its hilly terrain and extensive public transit system, while Cincinnati also offers public transportation options and a riverfront setting. Both metros have a blend of urban density and more suburban areas, providing varied paces of life. Neither city is typically prone to extreme weather events beyond seasonal storms.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, the financial impact on a household budget is quite balanced. While Pittsburgh might offer a small advantage in home purchase prices and state income tax, Cincinnati generally provides slightly lower costs for transportation and healthcare. The overall cost of living is so similar that personal preferences regarding urban character, climate, and amenities will likely be the deciding factors rather than significant financial savings.
| Measure | Cincinnati, OH | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 88 |
| Housing index | 66 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 92 | 98 |
| Food index | 92 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 102 |
| Misc index | 88 | 88 |
| Median home price | $228,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,050/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 Pittsburgh home with the True Cost Calculator.