Cincinnati and Columbus, both located in the state of Ohio, offer distinct lifestyles and unique opportunities. Whether you’re considering a move for work, education, or simply a change of scenery, understanding the differences between these two cities is crucial. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of living in Cincinnati versus Columbus, exploring aspects such as culture, economy, education, and cost of living.
Economy and Job Opportunities
Columbus
Columbus consistently ranks among the fastest-growing metros in the United States. For 11 consecutive years, it has led large Midwest metro areas in population and job growth. The city’s secret lies in its robust pipeline of young talent.
Renowned institutions like Ohio State University, Otterbein, Columbus College of Art & Design, and Columbus State attract students from across the nation. Many of these graduates choose to stay or relocate to Columbus after graduation, drawn by the city’s youthful energy and optimism. With an average resident age of 32.2 years and a top 10 concentration of millennials, Columbus thrives on fresh ideas and innovation.
Unlike cities dependent on a few large employers, Columbus boasts a diverse economic landscape. No single industry represents more than 18% of employment, making it resilient to economic shocks.
Household names like Scotts, Express, JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide, and Abercrombie & Fitch coexist with innovative small businesses and top-ranked educational and research institutions. The city’s neighborhoods reflect different characters, offering a rich cultural tapestry.
Columbus also shines in technology, with a flourishing industry and a growing number of startup “unicorns.” E-commerce, gene therapy, tech, and giants like IBM, Google, Amazon, and Facebook contribute to the city’s status as a top talent market. As Columbus continues to evolve, its future remains bright, driven by transformative projects like Intel’s $20 billion investment in Licking County.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio, stands as a vibrant city with a lower cost of living compared to the national average. It’s an attractive place to live and work, home to major companies like Procter & Gamble, Kroger, Macy’s, and Fifth Third Bank. Additionally, Cincinnati hosts renowned universities such as the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University.
The local job market has seen a modest 0.8% increase over the past year, with future job growth predicted at 29.8% over the next decade. The city’s unemployment rate currently stands at 4.9%, below the national average of 6.0%. Cincinnati’s affordability, diverse industries, and cultural amenities make it an appealing destination for professionals and families alike.
Cincinnati’s economy, with a GDP of $152.6 billion in 2020, ranks as the largest in Ohio and the fifth largest in the Midwest. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’s economic resilience shines through. Its annual regional exports, spanning from jet engines to consumer goods, contribute significantly to its economic vitality. As Cincinnati continues to evolve, it remains a dynamic hub for business, innovation, and opportunity.
Arts and Culture
Columbus
Columbus, Ohio, a city that thrives on artistic expression, has seen remarkable growth and evolution in its arts and culture scene over the past 25 years. As we reflect on this dynamic period, we witness a city that has embraced change, adapted to challenges, and celebrated creativity.
Performing Arts: Classical music and dance groups have flourished, expanding their audiences and reimagining their approaches. Organizations like the Columbus Symphony, BalletMet, and the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra have deep roots, tracing back several decades.
Yet, during this transformative quarter-century, they have made significant progress. The Southern Theatre (renovated in 1998) and the Lincoln Theatre (reopened in 2009) stand as iconic venues, hosting captivating performances.
While perfection graces the stage, behind-the-scenes drama has shaped their journey. Amid financial crises and the ongoing pandemic, Columbus’s arts community has persevered, proving its resilience.
The visual arts have also thrived. The Franklinton Arts District, home to hundreds of local artists and art spaces, pulses with creativity. Notably, the annual Scrawl Festival brings larger-than-life paintings to life, benefiting the city’s arts programs.
Additionally, the Columbus Arts Festival, featuring over 280 nationally acclaimed artists, transforms the downtown riverfront each June. As Tom Katzenmeyer, President and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, aptly puts it: “Overall, the visual arts in Columbus are thriving and have evolved significantly over the last 25 years”.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati, known as “the city that sings,” resonates with artistic vibrancy. According to the 2022 Arts Vibrancy Index Report, Cincinnati ranks in the top 2% across all measurements of Arts Dollars, standing out as a beacon of cultural richness.
Notably, it claims the first position in program revenue and compensation paid to arts and cultural employees among large midwestern communities. The city’s artistic tapestry weaves together renowned institutions, collaborative efforts, and a resilient spirit.
Musical Excellence: Cincinnati boasts the longest-running choral festival in the Western Hemisphere—the May Festival. Its harmonious notes blend with those of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra, a top-10 U.S. orchestra.
The city also hosts the second-oldest opera company in the country, the Cincinnati Opera. Beyond music, Cincinnati’s arts community thrives on collaboration.
Over 40 local arts institutions convene regularly, sharing best practices and pursuing collective goals related to economic vibrancy, social connectivity, and diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI).
This collaborative infrastructure, led by the local arts service organization ArtsWave, played a crucial role during the pandemic, providing grants, relief funds, and support to keep the arts alive. Cincinnati’s commitment to creativity traces back to its roots, with a history of public participation and private-sector investment that has illuminated the city’s cultural landscape for nearly a century.
Education
Columbus
Columbus, Ohio, a city that thrives on artistic expression, has also made significant strides in its education landscape. Let’s delve into the numbers and trends that define its educational journey.
Columbus’s public schools serve approximately 1.6 million students from diverse backgrounds and characteristics. This includes traditional district schools, public charter schools, and independent STEM schools.
Over the past two decades, overall public school enrollment has seen fluctuations, with declines among white and African American student groups but significant increases among Hispanic, multiracial, and Asian/Pacific Islander students. The city’s commitment to equitable education remains steadfast, even as economic disparities persist.
Columbus’s school districts strive for excellence. The average achievement rating across the state stands at 3.48 stars, reflecting progress in student learning outcomes. Additionally, the city’s commitment to closing achievement gaps is evident, with an average gap-closing rating of 4.14 stars. However, challenges persist, especially in addressing poverty-related barriers. While Columbus’s arts and culture scene thrives, almost 40,000 residents lack a high school diploma, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to uplift educational opportunities for all.
Columbus’s educational journey is a symphony of collaboration, resilience, and aspiration. As the city continues to evolve, its investment in education remains a cornerstone for building a brighter future for generations to come.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s public schools serve approximately 1.6 million students from diverse backgrounds and characteristics. This includes traditional district schools, public charter schools, and independent STEM schools.
Over the past two decades, overall public school enrollment has seen fluctuations, with declines among white and African American student groups but significant increases among Hispanic, multiracial, and Asian/Pacific Islander students. The city’s commitment to equitable education remains steadfast, even as economic disparities persist.
Cincinnati’s school districts strive for excellence. The average achievement rating across the state stands at 3.48 stars, reflecting progress in student learning outcomes. Additionally, the city’s commitment to closing achievement gaps is evident, with an average gap-closing rating of 4.14 stars.
However, challenges persist, especially in addressing poverty-related barriers. While Cincinnati’s arts and culture scene thrives, almost 40,000 residents lack a high school diploma, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to uplift educational opportunities for all.
Cincinnati’s educational journey is a symphony of collaboration, resilience, and aspiration. As the city continues to evolve, its investment in education remains a cornerstone for building a brighter future for generations to come.
Cost of Living
Columbus
The cost of living in Columbus, Ohio, as of early 2024, presents a mixed picture of affordability. For groceries and markets, prices vary, with a gallon of milk costing around $3.37, a loaf of fresh white bread at approximately $2.38, and chicken fillets priced at about $5.94 per pound.
When it comes to utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment, residents can expect to pay an average of $232.22 per month. Transportation costs include items like a monthly pass for public transport at $65 and gasoline at about $3.42 per gallon.
For those looking into real estate or rental prices, an apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center costs around $1,570.56 per month, while a similar apartment outside the center is slightly cheaper at approximately $1,141.25.
In terms of broader financial implications, Columbus’s overall cost of living index is about 7.8% lower than the national average. However, this doesn’t mean everything is cheaper; for instance, groceries are only about 1% less expensive, and healthcare is 8% cheaper.
Housing costs in Columbus are roughly 23% lower than the national average, providing some relief in this area. On average, residents spend about 30% of their income on housing, 8% on transportation, and 6% on food.
For individuals or families earning a median income, such as $50,000 annually, financial experts suggest not spending more than 30% of the monthly gross income on rent and utilities. In Columbus, the average monthly rent for an apartment is around $1,164, which aligns closely with this guideline but leaves little room for additional expenses.
Cincinnati
As of early 2024, the cost of living in Cincinnati, Ohio, presents an interesting mix of expenses that varies depending on the specific needs and lifestyle of residents.
In terms of daily expenses, a basic lunchtime menu in the business district is priced around $16, and a combo meal in a fast food restaurant like McDonald’s costs approximately $8.
Grocery prices are moderate, with a pound of boneless chicken breast costing about $5.67 and a liter of whole-fat milk priced at $0.82. When it comes to housing, the monthly rent for a 900 sqft furnished accommodation in an expensive area is around $1,989, while the same size accommodation in a more average area costs about $1,392.
Utility costs for a similarly sized flat average around $196 per month. Transportation costs include items such as a monthly public transport ticket for $72 and a liter of gas at about $1.03.
The real estate market in Cincinnati has a range of options, with median home prices varying by neighborhood. For instance, Hyde Park has a median home price of $302,000, while Mt. Lookout is higher at $478,000. The rental market also shows diversity, with average rents at about $1,300 per month, though this can vary significantly based on the neighborhood.
For those considering employment in Cincinnati, the median household income is around $45,235, which is lower than the Ohio average.
The city is home to several major corporations and offers a variety of job opportunities, with average salaries for different professions ranging widely. For example, recreation workers earn around $29,000, while medical scientists make approximately $102,810.
Transportation and Quality of Life
Columbus
As of 2024, Columbus, Ohio, has been actively enhancing its transportation infrastructure and quality of life for residents through various smart mobility initiatives. The city received a $40 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which it has been using to fund pilot projects aimed at improving mobility.
These projects include providing real-time safety alerts to drivers through connected vehicle technology, assisting residents with transportation to and from bus stops, and utilizing a self-driving shuttle for the delivery of prepackaged food boxes to residents.
The success of these pilot projects is being measured through technical data and resident feedback. Furthermore, the city has been focusing on using emerging transportation technologies to address the challenges faced by lower-income residents, particularly in neighborhoods like South Linden.
Columbus is also committed to enhancing the overall quality of life for its citizens. The city has invested in developing bike and fitness trails, connecting suburbs and river trails to a revitalized downtown riverfront park system.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to make Columbus a more livable, accessible, and sustainable city, catering to active and diverse lifestyles.
These initiatives reflect Columbus’s ongoing efforts to balance technological advancements in transportation with the broader goal of improving the quality of life for its residents.
The city’s approach to smart mobility and urban planning illustrates its commitment to addressing modern urban challenges while ensuring that technological solutions are inclusive and beneficial to all segments of the community.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s transportation system and quality of life are evolving with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. The city has adopted a “Complete Streets” ordinance to ensure that future transportation planning prioritizes safe and sustainable designs.
This approach facilitates the use of streets by everyone, regardless of age, ability, or economic capacity, by accommodating pedestrians, bicyclists, users of mobility devices, and transit riders. The aim is to reduce the proportion of single-passenger automobiles, thereby decreasing emissions and addressing local air pollution and global climate change.
This ordinance is part of a larger effort to enhance transportation equity and address the challenges posed by traditional highway planning.
Moreover, the city is actively investing in its transportation infrastructure to improve the overall quality of life. The 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, for example, sets out goals such as reducing vehicle accidents, optimizing the existing transportation system, and increasing environmental sustainability.
The plan emphasizes the need for a transportation network that supports the economic vitality of the region by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency.
In light of these developments, Robinson Relocations, a moving company, has noted that transportation in Cincinnati is so well-organized and efficient that relocating within the city can be accomplished smoothly and without any significant issues.
This is indicative of the city’s commitment to creating a transport system that not only meets the needs of its current residents but also accommodates those who are new to the area.
Conclusion
In the Cincinnati vs Columbus debate, consider your priorities. If you value a robust economy, arts scene, and football fervor, Columbus might be your match.
On the other hand, Cincinnati’s cultural richness, stronger schools, and affordable living make it an attractive choice. Whether you’re drawn to the Queen City or the Discovery City, both cities have their unique charm.
