City Comparison
Shah Alam vs Cincinnati
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shah Alam scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Shah Alam
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Cincinnati is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
3% lower than in Shah Alam.
Housing costs are a major driver: Shah Alam's average rent is
16% higher than Cincinnati's.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,638 | $1,410 | +16% |
| Groceries | $450 | $493 | -9% |
| Utilities | $180 | $178 | +1% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $250 | -40% |
| Monthly Total | $2,538 | $2,451 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 100 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 44% 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 Shah Alam is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,000 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 44,000 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Shah Alam runs warmer on average — a 82.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Shah Alam comes out ahead with 103 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Shah Alam sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 82.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 74.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 121.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 103 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cincinnati has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Shah Alam.
Shah Alam scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Shah Alam leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Shah Alam is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Cincinnati.
From a growth perspective, Shah Alam 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 | Shah Alam | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 438,745 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 31.5 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $104.6B | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Shah Alam
Advantages
Shah Alam is a well-planned city with organized townships, wider roads, and good infrastructure, contributing to a higher quality of life.
The city is known for its green spaces and recreational areas, earning it the nickname "Garden City of Malaysia".
Shah Alam has a strong industrial and manufacturing base, particularly in the automotive sector, offering diverse job opportunities.
Its strategic location within the Klang Valley and proximity to Port Klang enhance its economic and logistical advantages.
The city offers a good balance between urban amenities and a pleasant living environment, attracting young families and professionals.
Drawbacks
Shah Alam recorded the highest cost of living among Malaysian state capitals in 2024, surpassing Kuala Lumpur.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during peak hours in certain areas.
Public transportation options are still developing, and car dependency remains relatively high.
Some sources suggest that Shah Alam may not be as diverse as other Malaysian cities.
While generally safe, like any urban area, it requires residents to remain aware of their surroundings.
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.
Shah Alam
#77Selangor, Malaysia
61.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,638
Avg Salary
$44,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
103/yr
Avg Temp
82.30°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Cincinnati
#501Ohio, USA
52.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,410
Avg Salary
$79,000
Cost Index
103
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
49.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
72
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