City Comparison
St. Albans vs Cincinnati
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
St. Albans scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
St. Albans
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
St. Albans is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
8% lower than in Cincinnati.
| Metric | St. Albans | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $1,410 | -4% |
| Groceries | $400 | $493 | -19% |
| Utilities | $180 | $178 | +1% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,260 | $2,451 | -8% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 27% 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 St. Albans is estimated at
$50,000 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | St. Albans | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,184 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $61,500 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
St. Albans runs warmer on average — a 44.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, St. Albans comes out ahead with 208 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — St. Albans sees 64.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | St. Albans | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 44.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 76.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 9.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 46.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 64.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 208 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 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, St. Albans leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | St. Albans | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Cincinnati is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, St. Albans has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | St. Albans | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,950 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 41.5 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 3.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
St. Albans
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates remain more affordable than nearby Burlington and the broader New England average.
Low crime rates and secure neighborhoods provide an exceptionally family-friendly environment.
Proximity to Lake Champlain and Hard'ack Recreation Area offers world-class outdoor activities year-round.
Short average commute times reduce daily transit stress and improve work-life balance.
A vibrant historic downtown features local dining, independent shops, and community cultural events.
Drawbacks
Public transit options within the city and surrounding region are sparse, requiring reliable personal vehicle ownership.
Winters are long, cold, and snowy, demanding preparation for harsh weather conditions.
High regional energy costs and property tax burdens can impact household utility and housing expenses.
Limited local job diversification outside of core sectors like healthcare and education.
Distance from major metropolitan airports requires longer travel times for frequent flyers.
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.
St. Albans
#250Vermont, USA
62.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
208/yr
Avg Temp
44.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
74
Business
65
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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