Example household · Lexington, KY · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

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Lexington vs Cincinnati

Lexington and Cincinnati

Photo: Ynsalh / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Cincinnati are close to the US rate in this release, 6.3 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Lexington to Cincinnati

In 2022-2023, 444 households filed a move from Lexington to Cincinnati (about 639 people, average adjusted gross income $62,536). 406 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,135 in Lexington and $1,168 in Cincinnati. Lexington has a state tax on wages. Cincinnati has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Cincinnati is 98% of the national level for the same work, against 89% in Lexington.

Cincinnati averages 201 sunny days, with July highs around 86°F and January nights around 29°F. Lexington is 194 sunny days, 87°F in July, 30°F in January. Commutes average 25 minutes in Cincinnati and 22 in Lexington.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 444 households moved Lexington → Cincinnati (about 639 people, average AGI $62,536). 406 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Lexington and Cincinnati changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 81 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,600–$3,000
Container or pod
$1,100–$2,000
Rent a truck
$400–$700

Movers in Cincinnati and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Cincinnati cheaper than Lexington after tax and rent?

Yes. Cincinnati leaves about $95 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,135 in Lexington and $1,168 in Cincinnati.

Does Cincinnati have state income tax?

Cincinnati is in Ohio, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 2.00%.

Did people actually move from Lexington to Cincinnati?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.