City Comparison
Southfield vs Cincinnati
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Southfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Southfield
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Southfield is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
2% lower than in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Southfield | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,410 | +3% |
| Groceries | $410 | $493 | -17% |
| Utilities | $175 | $178 | -2% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,405 | $2,451 | -2% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 14% 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 Southfield is estimated at
$52,000 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Southfield | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,833 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $74,000 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Southfield runs warmer on average — a 49.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Southfield comes out ahead with 246 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Southfield sees 36.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Southfield | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 49.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 17.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 32.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 36.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 246 | |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cincinnati has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Southfield.
Southfield 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 | Southfield | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Southfield.
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 | Southfield | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 76,500 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 42.0 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Southfield
Advantages
Strategic location in Oakland County with direct access to major freeways like I-696 and US-10
Robust commercial hub hosting numerous corporate headquarters and professional service firms
Diverse and welcoming community with strong cultural representation and active local engagement
Excellent healthcare infrastructure anchored by Ascension Providence Hospital
More affordable housing options compared to neighboring affluent Oakland County communities
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited walkability and transit scores outside central corridors
Property tax rates can be relatively high compared to some surrounding townships
Traffic congestion along major commuter arteries during peak rush hours
Varying crime rates and safety profiles depending on the specific neighborhood
Older housing stock in some areas may require significant maintenance or updates
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.
Southfield
#282Michigan, USA
61.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
246/yr
Avg Temp
49.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
73
Business
70
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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