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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $674/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.1K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN area
Overall Cost
9.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$674
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$8.1K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Cincinnati, OH

Population:309K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$225K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:109
Median Home:$512K

Cincinnati, OH

The Buckeye State

309K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 309K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Research Triangle
  • State capital
  • Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cincinnati, OH vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
18.8%
Cincinnati, OH
$2,079
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$390
more
📦Other
6.3%
Cincinnati, OH
$1,607
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$100
more
All Utilities
17.6%
Cincinnati, OH
$464
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$81.96
more
🚗Transportation
5.6%
Cincinnati, OH
$1,216
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$68.30
more
🛒Groceries
4.3%
Cincinnati, OH
$919
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$39.97
more
🏥Healthcare
6.6%
Cincinnati, OH
$564
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$37.17
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Cincinnati, OH: Cincinnati Earnings Tax$2,700/yr (1.8%)

Raleigh, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$850
To$1,570
$720
1 Bed
From$935
To$1,640
$705
2 Bed
From$1,200
To$1,800
$600
3 Bed
From$1,585
To$2,255
$670
Cincinnati, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $760$1,580/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,849
Monthly in Cincinnati, OH
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$718
Difference

Home Values

Cincinnati
Raleigh
$225K
Median Value
$512K
↑ +1.2%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +31.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$113K - $592K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 128% more expensive than Cincinnati

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$2.7K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$225
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.8%
Rate difference

Cincinnati, OH

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Ohio State Tax
Effective: 3.0%
$4.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.6%
$41.4K
Take-Home Pay
$9,047/month
$108.6K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Cincinnati, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Cincinnati
Raleigh
52 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
44.8%
Good Air Days
61.7%
96 High
Climate Risk
96 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
29 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
29 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Ohio and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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