Cincinnati vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 23% more expensive than Cincinnati overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 4.65% in UT.
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, the cost of living in Cincinnati is noticeably more affordable than in Salt Lake City. This difference is largely driven by housing expenses, which are significantly higher in Salt Lake City. Other categories like food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services also tend to be more budget-friendly in Cincinnati, contributing to its lower overall cost. Transportation costs are roughly similar, though slightly favoring Salt Lake City.
Housing
Housing costs present a substantial contrast between the two metros. Both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment are considerably higher in Salt Lake City. Cincinnati offers a more traditional housing stock, often featuring older brick homes, while Salt Lake City's housing market is more competitive. Prospective homeowners should also factor in property taxes and insurance, which can vary, but the initial purchase price or monthly rent is a major differentiator.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for essentials show Cincinnati as generally more economical. Food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services are all more affordable there. Utilities are roughly comparable between the two cities, with Salt Lake City being slightly less expensive. State income tax is also lower in Ohio compared to Utah, meaning a larger portion of income may be retained in Cincinnati. Commute times are quite similar, indicating comparable daily travel expenses.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these cities offers distinct lifestyle changes. Cincinnati has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, including hot summers and snowy winters, and is known for its riverfront setting. Salt Lake City, nestled against the Wasatch Mountains, experiences a semi-arid climate with dry, hot summers and cold, snowy winters, offering easy access to outdoor recreation. Both cities have a moderate pace, but Salt Lake City's proximity to mountains defines much of its character.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Cincinnati generally offers a more budget-friendly environment, primarily due to significantly lower housing costs. While some everyday expenses like utilities and transportation are comparable or slightly favor Salt Lake City, the substantial difference in home prices and rents means a household budget will stretch further in Cincinnati. This makes Cincinnati a compelling option for those prioritizing affordability in their relocation decision.
| Measure | Cincinnati, OH | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 108 |
| Housing index | 66 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 92 | 89 |
| Food index | 92 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 88 | 95 |
| Median home price | $228,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.