Performance
Score Breakdown
Phoenix
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Cincinnati is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% higher compared to Phoenix.
| Metric | Phoenix | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,492 | $1,410 | +6% |
| Groceries | $426 | $493 | -14% |
| Utilities | $391 | $178 | +120% |
| Transport | $64 | $120 | -47% |
| Healthcare | $380 | $250 | +52% |
| Monthly Total | $2,753 | $2,451 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 38% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Cincinnati delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Phoenix is estimated at
$52,974 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Phoenix | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $49,356 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,974 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,006 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $81,332 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Phoenix | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 14.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cincinnati has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Phoenix.
Phoenix 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 | Phoenix | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 41.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 31.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Phoenix is the larger city
— approximately 5.3x the population of Cincinnati.
From a growth perspective, Phoenix 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 | Phoenix | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,677,947 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.75% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 34.9 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.00% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Phoenix
Advantages
Phoenix's job market is projected to grow by 0.7% in 2026, outpacing many other regions.
The city ranks as the No. 7 most supportive city in the U.S. for small businesses as of April 2026.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix are 4% lower than the national average.
The average one-way commute time in Phoenix is 26 minutes, slightly less than the U.S. average.
Phoenix experiences abundant sunshine, averaging over 300 days per year.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Phoenix is 5% higher than the national average, primarily due to housing expenses.
Phoenix's overall crime rate, while below the national average, still faces challenges with property crimes like auto theft.
The city has a low walkability score of 41, indicating high car dependency for most errands.
Summers in Phoenix are extremely hot, with average July highs around 105°F.
Traffic congestion in Phoenix resulted in commuters losing 76 hours in 2024, higher than the national average.
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.
Phoenix
#49Arizona, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,492
Avg Salary
$49,356
Cost Index
105
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/10
Walkability
41.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.75%
Unemployment
4.00%
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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