Performance
Score Breakdown
Cambridge
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Cambridge is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
15% lower compared to Cincinnati.
| Metric | Cambridge | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,480 | $1,410 | +5% |
| Groceries | $340 | $493 | -31% |
| Utilities | $115 | $178 | -35% |
| Transport | $75 | $120 | -38% |
| Healthcare | $72 | $250 | -71% |
| Monthly Total | $2,082 | $2,451 | -15% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 49% 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 Cambridge is estimated at
$32,800 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Cambridge | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $40,490 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $32,800 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,635 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $66,681 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Cambridge | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cambridge has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
11,000 minutes (183 hours) per year compared to Cincinnati.
Cincinnati 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 | Cambridge | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 33.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Cambridge.
From a growth perspective, Cambridge 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 | Cambridge | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,908 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.36% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 8.10% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Cambridge
Advantages
Cambridge crime rates are 26% lower than the national average, indicating a high level of safety. [cite: 14 in previous step]
The city boasts a strong and diverse industrial base, including advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors, with major employers like Toyota. [cite: 16, 21 in previous step]
Cambridge Memorial Hospital completed a major expansion by 2024, offering modern acute care facilities. [cite: 19, 35 in previous step]
The city offers extensive natural trails and is situated along the Grand River, providing ample outdoor recreational opportunities. [cite: 7, 13, 15, 38 in previous step]
Cambridge maintains a rich heritage character with distinctive limestone architecture and vibrant cultural districts like the Gaslight District. [cite: 7, 11, 13, 15, 26, 27 in previous step]
Drawbacks
The unemployment rate in the Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo CMA was 8.1% as of July 2026, which is higher than the national average. [cite: 29 in previous step]
Housing costs are a significant concern, with average rent being higher than the Canadian national average and home prices substantial. [cite: 3, 4, 10, 13, 23, 24 in previous step]
Public confidence in the healthcare system in Cambridge was reported as lower compared to other regional municipalities in 2023. [cite: 9, 45, 49 in previous step]
The city has a relatively low Walk Score (33) and Transit Score (35), indicating a car-dependent environment for most errands. [cite: 19, 22, 30, 41 in previous step]
Specific pockets within Downtown Galt and other areas experience higher rates of minor crimes like property crime and visible homelessness.
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.
Cambridge
#21Ontario, Canada
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,480
Avg Salary
$40,490
Cost Index
85
Commute
min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
33.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.36%
Unemployment
8.10%
Livability
72
Business
68
Cincinnati
#53Ohio, 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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