Performance
Score Breakdown
Windsor
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Windsor is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
30% lower compared to Cincinnati.
Housing costs are a major driver: Windsor's average rent is
24% lower than Cincinnati's.
| Metric | Windsor | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,075 | $1,410 | -24% |
| Groceries | $313 | $493 | -37% |
| Utilities | $176 | $178 | -1% |
| Transport | $63 | $120 | -48% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $250 | -60% |
| Monthly Total | $1,727 | $2,451 | -30% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 41% 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 Windsor is estimated at
$42,600 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Windsor | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,605 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,600 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 49,058 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $50,190 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Windsor | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Windsor 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 | Windsor | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 42.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Windsor.
From a growth perspective, Windsor 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 | Windsor | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,660 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.20% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 41.4 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 7.60% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Windsor
Advantages
Median rent of $1,074.78 USD (August 2026) is more affordable than many other major Canadian cities.
Windsor's economy added 6,000 jobs in July 2026, indicating positive employment growth.
Windsor Regional Hospital holds "Accreditation with Exemplary Standing," the highest possible rating for quality patient care [cite: 21, 22 in previous turn].
Overall crime rates in Windsor decreased by 15% in July 2026 compared to the previous year [cite: 28 in previous turn].
Significant investment in the electric vehicle (EV) battery plant and automotive sector is driving economic development [cite: 34 in previous turn, 44 in previous turn].
Drawbacks
The unemployment rate in Windsor was 7.6% in July 2026, which is higher than the national and provincial averages.
Windsor's economy is highly concentrated in the automotive industry, making it vulnerable to trade conflicts and tariffs [cite: 42 in previous turn, 44 in previous turn].
Public perception of crime in Windsor is higher than statistical data suggests, potentially impacting residents' sense of safety [cite: 42 in previous turn].
The labor force participation rate in Windsor has been declining, contrasting with growing rates in Ontario and Canada.
Forecasted economic growth for Windsor in 2026 is slower (0.6%) due to tariffs and uncertainties [cite: 44 in previous turn].
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.
Windsor
#13Ontario, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,075
Avg Salary
$46,605
Cost Index
95
Commute
min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
42.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.20%
Unemployment
7.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
Cincinnati
#60Ohio, 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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