Columbus vs Cincinnati Air Quality Comparison

Which city has cleaner air right now, from the latest EPA AirNow AQI

As of September 23, 2026, Columbus, OH has cleaner air than Cincinnati, OHAQI 27 (Good) vs 42 (Good), a gap of 15 AQI points in the latest EPA AirNow observations. Lower AQI means cleaner air. Columbus's reading is driven by PM2.5 and Cincinnati's by PM2.5.

Columbus, OH

Good

StateOhio
Dominant PollutantPM2.5
CategoryGood

Cincinnati, OH

Good

StateOhio
Dominant PollutantPM2.5
CategoryGood

Summary

Columbus has 15 points better air quality

Columbus has an AQI of 27 compared to 42

Our Pick

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Even with good outdoor air in Cincinnati, indoor PM2.5, dust and allergens build up. A True-HEPA purifier keeps a bedroom or office consistently clean.

Budget Pick4.7(74,000+ ratings)
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
Best value True-HEPA for everyday allergens, dust and dander

Compare top-rated True-HEPA purifiers:

Budget Pick
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
~$1004.7
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Editor's Pick
Levoit Vital 200S
True HEPA
True HEPA · washable pre-filter · rooms up to 1,875 sq ft
~$2004.6
Check Price on Amazon →
Large Room
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty
HEPA + Carbon
True HEPA + carbon · CADR ~246 CFM · rooms up to 361 sq ft
~$2304.6
Check Price on Amazon →

Prices are approximate and subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

5-Day Forecast Comparison

DayColumbusCincinnatiBetter
TodayAQI 31AQI 45Columbus
Wed, Sep 23AQI 37AQI 35Cincinnati