City Comparison
Shawnee vs Cincinnati
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shawnee scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Shawnee
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Shawnee is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
2% lower than in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Shawnee | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,410 | +3% |
| Groceries | $420 | $493 | -15% |
| Utilities | $175 | $178 | -2% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,400 | $2,451 | -2% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 1% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Shawnee delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Shawnee is estimated at
$58,000 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Shawnee | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 79,592 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $95,400 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Shawnee runs warmer on average — a 56.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Shawnee comes out ahead with 266 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Shawnee sees 17.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Shawnee | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 22.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 17.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 266 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
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 | Shawnee | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Shawnee.
From a growth perspective, Shawnee is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Shawnee has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Shawnee | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 67,311 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 3.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Shawnee
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Kansas with crime rates well below the national average
Access to top-rated public school districts within Johnson County
Expansive green spaces anchored by Shawnee Mission Park, offering diverse outdoor recreation
Strong local economy and strategic location within the Kansas City metropolitan area
Active historic downtown area featuring local dining, shopping, and community events
Drawbacks
High demand has driven up housing and property values, impacting affordability
High level of car dependency with limited public mass transit options
Rising property tax rates across Johnson County affecting homeowners
Cold winter conditions with potential for snow and ice accumulations
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to central Kansas City
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.
Shawnee
#32Kansas, USA
71.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
74
Cincinnati
#501Ohio, USA
52.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,410
Avg Salary
$79,000
Cost Index
103
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
49.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
72
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