Moving from Chicago to Cincinnati?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Chicago lifestyle in Cincinnati, you'd need to earn:
$64,761/year
▼ $10,239 less than you make now
| Category | Chicago | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $64,761 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$5,861 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,015 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$939 |
| State Tax | -$3,713 | -$1,065 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,436 | $52,881 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -7.9% in Cincinnati
- Housing is -21.8% in Cincinnati
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $2,366/year in taxes in Cincinnati
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~252 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Chicago to Cincinnati
| Your Chicago Salary | Cincinnati Equivalent | Difference | Cincinnati Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $34,674 | -$5,326 | $29,662 |
| $50,000 | $43,587 | -$6,413 | $36,578 |
| $60,000 | $52,560 | -$7,440 | $43,541 |
| $75,000 | $64,761 | -$10,239 | $52,881 |
| $100,000 | $87,013 | -$12,987 | $67,923 |
| $150,000 | $131,394 | -$18,606 | $97,428 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Chicago and Cincinnati Compare
Housing (22% cheaper in Cincinnati)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Cincinnati rents for $1,080/month compared to $1,975/month in Chicago. Median home prices: $260,000 in Cincinnati vs $374,000 in Chicago.
Taxes
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. Ohio has a progressive state income tax from 0.0% to 3.5%. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Cincinnati would save you about $2,366/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Cincinnati's overall cost of living is 7.9% lower than Chicago, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Chicago: 103.6, Cincinnati: 95.4.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Chicago to Cincinnati move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Cincinnati
Average 1BR rent in Cincinnati: $1,080/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →