Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Cleveland, OH
The 246 mi from Cincinnati to Cleveland translate to about 4h 39m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
246 mi Β· 4h 39m by car Β· OH
Distance & route
| Route through | OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Columbus, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cincinnati | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.37 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.954 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.751 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.608 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Cincinnati (95.37) and Cleveland (93.923) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cleveland: 1.5% below Cincinnati on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cincinnati +1.7%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cincinnati | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.4" | 33.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cincinnati | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,595 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $51,707 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 33 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.18 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.5% between Cincinnati and Cleveland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Cincinnati?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $249,568 in Cincinnati β a 53.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 246 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cincinnati vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $51,707 in Cincinnati β a 24.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Cincinnati?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 1.5% lower than Cincinnati (93.923 vs 95.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Cincinnati, OH?
The driving distance is 246 mi and the route typically takes 4h 39m via I 71. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cincinnati.
City profiles: Cincinnati, OH Β· Cleveland, OH.