Performance
Score Breakdown
Hsinchu
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hsinchu is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
58% lower compared to Cincinnati.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hsinchu's average rent is
69% lower than Cincinnati's.
| Metric | Hsinchu | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $440 | $1,410 | -69% |
| Groceries | $424 | $493 | -14% |
| Utilities | $127 | $178 | -29% |
| Transport | $41 | $120 | -66% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $250 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,032 | $2,451 | -58% |
| Cost Index | 39 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 97% 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 Hsinchu is estimated at
$1,336 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Hsinchu | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $2,504 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $1,336 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 6,421 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $143,905 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hsinchu | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Hsinchu 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 | Hsinchu | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 47.20 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hsinchu is the larger city
— approximately 1.5x the population of Cincinnati.
From a growth perspective, Cincinnati 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 | Hsinchu | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 460,552 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.36% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 45.4 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 3.35% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hsinchu
Advantages
Hsinchu boasts a strong economy driven by its world-leading high-tech industry, offering abundant job opportunities, particularly in semiconductors and related fields [3, 7, 11].
The city is recognized for its high safety levels, with a very low crime rate, contributing to a secure living environment for residents [4, 5, 20, 22].
Hsinchu offers a good quality of life with a blend of modern amenities, cultural attractions, and accessible natural spaces [5, 7].
The city has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major tech hubs globally, especially when considering the high average salaries [4, 12].
Hsinchu has a growing population and a dynamic community, particularly among young professionals and families attracted by the tech sector [8, 11].
Drawbacks
The economy is heavily reliant on the tech sector, making it vulnerable to global industry fluctuations [3, 7].
Housing prices, especially near the Science Park, can be high due to strong demand from the tech workforce [4, 10, 11].
While public transport exists, car dependency might be higher for some residents, especially those commuting outside the immediate city center.
The city's rapid development and concentration of industry may lead to environmental pressures or traffic congestion in certain areas.
Limited diversity in major industries outside of technology could pose challenges during economic downturns affecting the tech sector.
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.
Hsinchu
#1Taiwan, China
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$440
Avg Salary
$2,504
Cost Index
39
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.36%
Unemployment
3.35%
Livability
85
Business
80
Cincinnati
#62Ohio, 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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