North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Cincinnati
The average cost of living in Cincinnati, United States is $1,687 per month for a single person, and $4,480 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,613 per month. The local average net salary is $4,020 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 38.3 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,687 / month
- Family of 4
- $4,480 / mo
- Student
- $1,009 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Cincinnati
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$4,019.91 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Cincinnati | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Cincinnati | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Cincinnati | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Cincinnati | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Cincinnati | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Cincinnati | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Cincinnati | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Cincinnati | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Cincinnati | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Cincinnati | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Cincinnati FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Cincinnati. |
Rent & Property Prices in Cincinnati
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,613 | $1,324 – $1,900 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,074 | $950 – $1,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $3,160 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,858 | $1,680 – $2,600 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $3,448 | $2,179 – $3,810 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $2,091 | $1,981 – $2,120 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,613$1,324 – $1,900
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,074$950 – $1,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $3,160$2,500 – $4,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,858$1,680 – $2,600
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $3,448$2,179 – $3,810
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $2,091$1,981 – $2,120
Grocery Prices in Cincinnati
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.91 | $0.53 – $1.11 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.33 | $2.09 – $5.50 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $4.10 | $1.96 – $4.77 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.82 | $1.99 – $7.00 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $13 | $9.46 – $18 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $11 | $4.43 – $20 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $16 | $13 – $18 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $5.44 | $2.65 – $7.25 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.61 | $1.30 – $3.00 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $4.33 | $1.00 – $7.72 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4.70 | $2.47 – $10 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.58 | $1.21 – $11 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $3.14 | $2.76 – $3.75 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.12 | $1.67 – $2.75 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.89 | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $15 | $10 – $16 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.11 | $2.10 – $2.14 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.01 | $1.70 – $3.76 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $10 | $9.59 – $10 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.91$0.53 – $1.11
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.33$2.09 – $5.50
- White Rice (1 kg) $4.10$1.96 – $4.77
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.82$1.99 – $7.00
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $13$9.46 – $18
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $11$4.43 – $20
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $16$13 – $18
- Apples (1 kg) $5.44$2.65 – $7.25
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.61$1.30 – $3.00
- Oranges (1 kg) $4.33$1.00 – $7.72
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $4.70$2.47 – $10
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.58$1.21 – $11
- Onions (1 kg) $3.14$2.76 – $3.75
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.12$1.67 – $2.75
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.89$1.00 – $3.00
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $15$10 – $16
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.11$2.10 – $2.14
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.01$1.70 – $3.76
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $10$9.59 – $10
Public Transport & Car Costs in Cincinnati
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.65 | $2.65 – $2.65 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $106 | $106 – $106 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.75 | $3.75 – $3.75 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.24 | $1.24 – $1.24 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $25 | $25 – $25 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.87 | $0.76 – $1.29 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $36,168 | $36,168 – $36,992 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,526 | $25,186 – $25,696 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.65$2.65 – $2.65
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $106$106 – $106
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.75$3.75 – $3.75
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.24$1.24 – $1.24
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $25$25 – $25
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.87$0.76 – $1.29
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $36,168$36,168 – $36,992
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,526$25,186 – $25,696
Utility & Internet Costs in Cincinnati
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $139 | $110 – $252 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $77 | $35 – $150 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $71 | $45 – $100 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $139$110 – $252
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $77$35 – $150
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $71$45 – $100
Childcare & Preschool in Cincinnati
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,463 | $1,050 – $1,644 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $19,510 | $19,510 – $19,510 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,463$1,050 – $1,644
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $19,510$19,510 – $19,510
Clothing Prices in Cincinnati
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $45 | $35 – $54 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $45 | $35 – $50 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $85 | $65 – $106 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $111 | $75 – $130 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $45$35 – $54
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $45$35 – $50
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $85$65 – $106
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $111$75 – $130
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Cincinnati
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $36 | $22 – $75 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $14 | $0.00 – $20 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $15 | $12 – $15 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $36$22 – $75
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $14$0.00 – $20
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $15$12 – $15
Restaurant Prices in Cincinnati
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $15 | $12 – $30 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $60 | $42 – $125 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $10 | $8.00 – $12 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $6.00 | $3.00 – $8.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $7.50 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.07 | $2.00 – $7.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.29 | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.90 | $1.00 – $4.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $15$12 – $30
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $60$42 – $125
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $10$8.00 – $12
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $6.00$3.00 – $8.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $7.50$5.00 – $8.00
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.07$2.00 – $7.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.29$2.00 – $3.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $1.90$1.00 – $4.00
Salaries & Mortgages in Cincinnati
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,020 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.12% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $4,020
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.12%
Compare Cincinnati with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Tucson
Monthly / 1 person
$1,692
vs NYC
38.5/100
United States
Oklahoma-City
Monthly / 1 person
$1,703
vs NYC
38.7/100
United States
Rochester
Monthly / 1 person
$1,726
vs NYC
39.2/100
United States
Detroit
Monthly / 1 person
$1,647
vs NYC
37.4/100
United States
San-Antonio
Monthly / 1 person
$1,728
vs NYC
39.3/100
United States
Kansas-City
Monthly / 1 person
$1,626
vs NYC
37/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Cincinnati?
- An estimated $1,687 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Cincinnati. A family of four needs around $4,480 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,009.
- How much money do I need to live in Cincinnati?
- Plan for at least $1,687 per month as a single person, $4,480 per month for a family of four, or $1,009 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Cincinnati.
- What is the average rent in Cincinnati?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Cincinnati rents for around $1,613 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $3,160 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Cincinnati?
- The average monthly net salary in Cincinnati is around $4,020. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 40% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Cincinnati?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Cincinnati costs around $15. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $89 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.91/L) and bread ($3.33/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Cincinnati?
- A monthly public transport pass in Cincinnati costs around $106. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Cincinnati?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Cincinnati costs around $71 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.