Performance
Score Breakdown
Kansas City
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kansas City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
9% lower compared to Cincinnati.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kansas City's average rent is
13% lower than Cincinnati's.
| Metric | Kansas City | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,231 | $1,410 | -13% |
| Groceries | $450 | $493 | -9% |
| Utilities | $180 | $178 | +1% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,231 | $2,451 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 1% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kansas City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kansas City is estimated at
$50,000 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Kansas City | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 87,640 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $56,120 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kansas City | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Cincinnati scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Cincinnati leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kansas City | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Kansas City.
From a growth perspective, Kansas City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Cincinnati has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kansas City | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 155,438 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kansas City
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with housing, groceries, and healthcare generally below national averages.
Strong job market with diverse opportunities in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Home to nationally recognized healthcare facilities, including The University of Kansas Hospital, consistently ranked as a top hospital.
Vibrant cultural scene, known for its rich jazz heritage and world-famous barbecue.
Relatively quick commute times compared to other major urban areas.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options, leading to high car dependency.
Unpredictable weather with cold winters, hot and humid summers, and a risk of tornadoes.
Lower walkability score compared to more pedestrian-friendly cities.
Certain areas experience higher violent crime rates, which can be a concern for residents.
The city is landlocked, lacking easy access to beaches or mountains.
Cincinnati
Advantages
The cost of living in Cincinnati is 3% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many major U.S. cities.
Cincinnati boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, including museums, theaters, and a symphony orchestra.
Several neighborhoods, such as Over-The-Rhine and the Central Business District, are highly walkable, with Walk Scores of 94 and 92 respectively.
The median property value in Cincinnati was $230,900 in 2024, significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Drawbacks
While some areas are highly walkable, the city's overall Walk Score of 49 indicates a car-dependent environment for most errands.
Public transportation, while available, is not considered the most dependable, often necessitating a personal vehicle.
The city's poverty rate was 25.5% in 2024, which is higher than the national average.
Cincinnati experiences extreme seasonal variations in humidity, with muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters.
The average commute time in the Cincinnati metropolitan area was 2 hours daily in 2023, which is relatively long compared to some other cities.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Kansas City
#21Kansas, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,231
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
68
Business
75
Cincinnati
#49Ohio, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,410
Avg Salary
$79,000
Cost Index
103
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
49.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
72
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