Cincinnati, the Queen City, is crowned for more than its historical roots but for the way it sits with quiet confidence.

…it’s busy, bold, and brimming with potential!

In 2025, Cincinnati has positioned itself as the ideal landing spot for individuals fleeing the sky-high rents of New York City, the chaos of Los Angeles, and the relentless pace of Chicago. 

Queen City is a Midwestern marvel that continues to draw newcomers from these big-ticket areas.

Call it the city of underdogs and overachievers. Home to Fortune 500 companies, a booming arts scene, and a food culture that stands nearly toe-to-toe with NYC.

However, is moving to Cincinnati all that it’s cracked out to be?

Let’s break down what life in Cincinnati is like in 2025.

The Cost of Living Does Not Require a Six-Figure Salary

Should I move to Cincinnati? If this is a question that bugs you and affordability is the end goal, then you should.

Compared to NYC or LA, Cincinnati feels like someone turned off the financial anxiety alarm. The cost of living here is about 4% lower than the national average.

While this may not seem impressive to many, housing cost dips even further—a whopping 14% lower than the national average.

The affordable housing here, in particular, is a dream. You can rent a one-bedroom downtown for around $1,200 monthly or snag a decent home in a neighborhood like Pleasant Ridge or Westwood for less than $1,000. 

• Average House Rent: $1,432
• Median Home Value: $251,000

Groceries, gas, and utilities have manageable costs. They are mostly lower than the national average, except for utility costs, which are at par with the national average. 

However, be warned…property taxes and car insurance can be quite high in certain counties. Therefore, ensure you conduct thorough research before purchasing a home in these areas.

Expense Category	Compared to the National Average
Housing	14% lower
Food and Groceries	2% lower
Utilities	0
Healthcare	1% lower
Transportation	2% lower

Job Market Rewards Quiet Hustle with Solid Growth

Why move to Cincinnati? While Cincinnati is not exactly Silicon Valley, its job market in 2025 is strong and stable. A hub for Fortune 500 companies—Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and Fifth Third Bank are still anchoring the local economy. 

Living in Cincinnati to pursue a career in healthcare, retail, logistics, and manufacturing is equally rewarding. If you are in tech, marketing, supply chain, or healthcare, you are likely to find your groove here.

…just don’t expect six figures out of the gate.

The startup scene is showing real teeth, especially in Over-the-Rhine and the Innovation District near the University of Cincinnati. But you will have to make do with a median household income lower than the national average.

• Population: 311,097
• Median Household Income: $51,707
• Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
• Poverty Rate: 24.5%

Note:

The unemployment rate is high. But remote workers are flocking here for fast Wi-Fi, affordable homes, and third-wave coffee shops with decent parking.

Healthcare is a Regional Powerhouse

Cincinnati pulls its weight in healthcare. For only an average of $138.63 and $114, you can book an appointment with a doctor and a dentist, respectively.

As an add-on…

The University of Cincinnati Medical Center and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are ranked among the best in the nation; TriHealth also offers high-quality care.

…there’s a decent mix of private and public health services, with a growing focus on mental health and telemedicine.

As a newcomer, be sure to check whether your insurance covers care across county lines.

Greater Cincinnati spreads across three states (Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana), and crossing the river for a doctor’s visit can be quite tiring, especially when you need medical attention.

The Neighborhoods are Diverse and Worth Exploring

Cincinnati is home to many people for reasons different from its affordability. The neighborhoods are diverse, yet all so accommodating.

Here’s a list of options from Cincinnati moving company that will help you decide on which neighborhood suits your lifestyle best:

• For vintage charm, brick-lined streets, and a commercial hub, try Hyde Park or Mount Lookout. 
• Want an artsy and urban area with nightlife for days? Over-the-Rhine is your spot.
• Are you after family-friendly vibes and yards with trees? Mariemont, Anderson Township, or Blue Ash have your name written on them.
• For Black professionals and creatives, neighborhoods like Bond Hill and Avondale are becoming hubs of cultural revival.
• Price Hill is starting to buzz with younger folks and artist spaces, just as Indian Hill is great for retirees.

You have options in Cincinnati. However, you still have to do due diligence. While some areas look great during the day, it’s a whole new energy when the sun goes down.

Education Quality Has Plenty of Room for Improvement

Cincinnati Public Schools have seen improvements, especially with magnet and STEM programs. But the quality still varies by neighborhood. 

Walnut Hills High School remains a crown jewel. It’s consistently ranked among the top public schools in the country. However, many schools in the Cincinnati Public School District, Finneytown Local School District, and Northwest Local School District require significant improvement.

So, moving to Cincinnati with a kid who needs education, you have to fish for the best schools in a high-performing school district.

Besides Walnut Hills High School, other schools on your list should include:

• Ayer Elementary School
• Hyde Park School
• Wilson Elementary School
• Summit Elementary School
• Kilgour School

Note:

The University of Cincinnati is a major research institution in higher education. The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning is another top-tier option.

Weather and Climate: A Full Sampler Pack

Cincinnati’s climate is a four-season roulette.

• Hot, humid summers are typical, with temperature highs of 88°F.
• The gray winters drag in chills and temperature dips of 25°F.
• Autumn is pleasant, and spring can’t decide what it wants to be.

Moving to Cincinnati, you may get occasional tornado warnings and a few floods, especially along the riverfront. But it’s nothing like what you would see in the coastal areas.

Snowfall is moderate, enough for a snowy day or two, but not enough to ruin your life.

Average Seasonal Temperature in Cincinnati:

Winter — 37°F

Fall — 56°F

Spring — 55°F

Summer — 74°F

Crime and Civil Safety Varies by Zip Code

Is Cincinnati a good place to live, security-wise? Cincinnati is not a peace haven, but it’s not Gotham, either.

According to crime statistics, its safety profile analysis reveals that it is safer than only 3% of all U.S. cities.

Like most cities, crime is very neighborhood-dependent in Cincinnati. Downtown, OTR, and the West End see the most incidents. But crime overall has been trending downward in 2025.

Gun violence is still a concern in some neighborhoods, but locals will tell you that if you are smart, you won’t flash cash, will stay alert at night, and lock your car. 

But the chances are high that you will experience or witness either property or violent crime more than anywhere else in Ohio. 

There have been peaceful protests in recent years, especially around social justice issues. But they have been largely constructive and community-driven.

per 1,000 Residents	Cincinnati Median	Ohio Median	National Median
Violent Crime	7.28	2.87	4.0
Property Crime	42.78	16.92	19.0

Diversity and Political Views

Moving to Cincinnati is an experience of diversity.

The city is way more diverse than outsiders expect. Black culture is strong and proud here, with a growing Latino and Asian presence.

…although the city is still white-dominated (about 48% of residents).

Politically? Cincinnati is a swing town. Cincinnati proper leans blue, but surrounding suburbs tilt red. The result? A city that debates everything from zoning laws to pronouns.

Final Verdict: Is Cincinnati a Good Move in 2025?

Cincinnati is one city where you can breathe, build, connect, and belong. It has its perks and pain points. 

If you are looking to stretch your paycheck, live in a real neighborhood, work a good job, and still have time to drink a beer by the river before sunset, Cincy might just be your spot.

But if the higher-than-average crime rate and relatively lower income are turnoffs, then moving to Cincinnati, the Queen City, is a crown you should not wear.