Do you know the true cost of living in Cincinnati, Ohio?
Photo by Leah Kelley
With a thriving business environment, excellent public schools and colleges, and a low cost of living, it’s no wonder that more people are moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, every year.
As your move date approaches, there are many expenses to consider. Moving costs and fees, such as a deposit on an apartment and setting up utilities, can seem daunting.
But what’s the actual cost of living in Cincinnati? We have done some research to find. Read on to find out Cincinnati, Ohio’s living expenses breakdown.
A closer look at housing costs in Cincinnati
Life in Cincinnati, Ohio, is an exciting experience. The cost of living in Cincinnati, Ohio, is comparable to other cities throughout the United States.
According to Sperling’s Best Places, the city has a cost of living index of 92.1, slightly lower than the national average of 100. When looking closer at housing costs in Cincinnati, existing homeowners can take advantage of lower prices and plenty of to-do and sightseeing activities in the city.
However, month-to-month living expenses such as utilities and insurance can be a bit pricey. Residents in the area usually pay around 90 dollars for utilities, 40 to 55 dollars for internet, and 40 dollars for gas, adding up to a monthly cost of about 170-185 dollars.
Residents in solar-powered homes benefit from decreased utility costs and even receive additional incentives for switching to solar. The upfront cost of going solar in Cincinnati is significantly lower than in other cities, and adding solar to an existing home is much more affordable now than ever before; continue reading about solar here.
Cincinnati is a vibrant location to reside in. Nevertheless, the cost of living is something to consider when deciding to live in the city.
Transportation expenses and getting around the city
It is possible to live in Cincinnati, Ohio, on a budget, and public transportation is one of the best ways to get around the city. The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) runs the Metro bus and train service, a cheap and easy way to get around Cincinnati.
The All-Day pass costs just $4.25 and lets riders take as many rides as they want in 24 hours. 31-day unlimited access costs $78. A key for three days costs $15, and a seven-day receipt costs $26. Qualified people, like seniors and students, can also pay less for their tickets.
Public transportation isn’t the only cheap way to get around the city. Biking and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also good options.
Cincinnati is a public bike-sharing system. For 15 minutes, you can rent a bike for as little as $5. UberPOOL is the cheapest way to ride, and rides cost a fraction of what they would otherwise.
These ways make life in Cincinnati cheaper and more accessible for people who want to save money.
Evaluating the cost of groceries and other necessities
Compared to other cities in the United States, the cost of living in Cincinnati, Ohio, is affordable. The USDA thinks a family of four in Cincinnati spends about $775.50 a month on food at home.
Also, Cincinnati has no state income tax, and the sales and real estate taxes are low. This makes it one of the more cheap places to live. People can find fair prices on groceries and other necessities, so their total living costs are low.
Overall, Cincinnati is a cheap place to live. It has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and things to do, which makes it one of the most attractive towns in the area.
Weathering Cincinnati and accounting for utilities
It can be hard to figure out how much it costs to live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Residents have to pay for utilities, taxes, and other living costs. Residents must consider how much it costs them to use energy each month for things like air conditioning in the summer, heat in the winter, and keeping the lights and machines on when needed.
Utility costs should be added to a budget to get a good idea of how much it costs to live in Cincinnati. Residents of Cincinnati can save money and make their lives more affordable by planning, negotiating for lower energy costs, and taking advantage of available incentives.
Exploring the extra costs of entertainment in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is a great place to live and visit because the cost of living is cheap, and there are many things to do all over the city. There are lots of inexpensive ways to have fun.
Attractions like the Cincinnati Zoo and Newport Aquarium cost only $17 and $21, respectively, and a family pass to the Cincinnati Museum Center costs only $80 per year.
There are many free cultural shows and events in Cincinnati, like the Cincinnati Opera, the Cincinnati Ballet, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The Cincinnati Park Board has a lot of ways to relax and enjoy the city if you want to spend time outside.
With all the choices, there are many things to do that won’t break the bank.
Learn and know the cost of living in Cincinnati
Living in Cincinnati, Ohio, comes with many costs unique to the area, from its modest housing and transportation costs to its higher-than-average food expenses. Research and planning can help potential Cincinnati residents calculate the cost of living in Cincinnati and make the most informed and budget-friendly decisions.
Compare and contrast expenses in the area to ensure the best financial decisions for you and your family.
Check out our other blog posts for more home and lifestyle tips.