Performance
Score Breakdown
Harrisburg
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Harrisburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% lower compared to Cincinnati.
Housing costs are a major driver: Harrisburg's average rent is
10% lower than Cincinnati's.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,265 | $1,410 | -10% |
| Groceries | $400 | $493 | -19% |
| Utilities | $180 | $178 | +1% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $250 | -40% |
| Monthly Total | $2,115 | $2,451 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 23% 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 Harrisburg is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,016 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,412 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $108,724 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Harrisburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 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 | Harrisburg | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Harrisburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Harrisburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,791 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.50% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 31.1 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 0.80% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Harrisburg
Advantages
Harrisburg boasts a very low unemployment rate of 0.8% as of 2026, significantly lower than the national average.
The city has a highly-rated school district, making it attractive for families.
Harrisburg is experiencing rapid population growth, indicating a dynamic and expanding community.
The median household income of $108,724 is well above the national average, reflecting strong economic opportunity.
The average commute time of 19 minutes is shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience for residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Harrisburg is slightly higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing costs.
Public transportation options are limited or non-existent, leading to high car dependency.
Walkability scores are low or unavailable, indicating a less pedestrian-friendly environment.
Rapid population growth can place pressure on local infrastructure and resources.
There are no major hospitals directly within Harrisburg, requiring travel to Sioux Falls for comprehensive healthcare.
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.
Harrisburg
#14South Dakota, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,265
Avg Salary
$61,016
Cost Index
101
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
0.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
Cincinnati
#54Ohio, 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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