Cost of Living in Ohio [2025]
Ohio is an underdog state with plenty to offer. Often misunderstood, Ohio is unpretentious, filled with friendly strangers willing to chat you up in your local grocery store. Many don’t know that during the warmer months of the year, you can island hop on a ferry along the coast of Lake Erie, enjoying all of the sun-soaked summer activities your heart can handle. You can also find some of the country’s best art museums and the world’s best symphonies in the Buckeye State.
The best part is that it’s easy to find somewhere to live within your budget. Let's explore the cost of living in Ohio to find out if a move there is right for you.
Cost of Living in Ohio
What Is the Cost of Living in Ohio?
If you're looking to relocate to a state with a reasonable cost of living, put Ohio at the top of your list. Currently, the cost of living in Ohio is 17.3% below the national average, making Ohio the 14th cheapest state in the U.S. We also looked at a breakdown of the data of different cost of living categories in Ohio when compared to the rest of the U.S.
| Cost of Living | Ohio | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 82.7 | 100 |
| Grocery | 96.1 | 100 |
| Health | 88.7 | 100 |
| Housing | 61.6 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $197,000 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 100 | 100 |
| Transportation | 83.9 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 89.3 | 100 |
Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Ohio?
Ohio is known for its affordability, but there are cities that are more expensive than others. The most expensive big city in Ohio is Columbus, where the cost of living is 10.5% higher compared to the state average and 8.6% lower than in the rest of the U.S. Here's a breakdown of the cost of living categories in Columbus:
| Cost of Living | Columbus | Ohio | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 91.4 | 82.7 | 100 |
| Grocery | 98.8 | 96.1 | 100 |
| Health | 89.5 | 88.7 | 100 |
| Housing | 70.6 | 61.6 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $220,100 | $197,000 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 102.1 | 100 | 100 |
| Transportation | 90.1 | 83.9 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 89.3 | 107.5 | 100 |
Where Is the Cost of Living Lowest in Ohio?
If you're looking for the ultimate affordability in Ohio, you can look towards the cheapest major city in Ohio. Youngstown's cost of living being 10.0% lower compared to the state average and 25.6% lower than the national average. Here's a look at what you'll spend on your cost of living in Youngstown.
| Cost of Living | Youngstown | Ohio | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 74.4 | 82.7 | 100 |
| Grocery | 91.3 | 96.1 | 100 |
| Health | 89.8 | 88.7 | 100 |
| Housing | 19.6 | 61.6 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $52,100 | $197,000 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 94.3 | 100 | 100 |
| Transportation | 79.5 | 83.9 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 93.1 | 107.5 | 100 |
How Much Is Rent in Ohio?
The overall rent in Ohio currently averages around $1,086 a month across bedrooms of all sizes. Here's how that breaks down for different cities:
| City | Median 1-Bedroom Rent | Median 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio (State) | $861 | $1,107 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $893 | $1,129 |
| Columbus, OH | $1,094 | $1,310 |
| Dayton, OH | $788 | $1,045 |
| Cleveland, OH | $842 | $1,049 |
For a more detailed breakdown, here is a list of average rent prices in the five of the most popular cities to live in Ohio, including Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, and Youngstown.
Ohio has rental properties in all forms, from luxury high-rise apartments in the city to single-family homes in rural areas. There’s something to fit every renter’s taste in Ohio. While Ohio’s rent prices are relatively affordable, you can still save considerably by renting with a roommate.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 1-Bedroom in Ohio?
The average price of a 1-Bedroom apartment in Ohio is currently $861. However, that number varies depending on where you live, so let's look at median rents in some of Florida's top cities:
| City | Median 1-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|
| Ohio (State) | $977 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $893 |
| Columbus, OH | $1,094 |
| Dayton, OH | $788 |
| Cleveland, OH | $842 |
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 2-Bedroom in Ohio?
Two-bedroom apartments in Florida currently run around $1,107 on average. However, as with all rental prices, location matters; so here is a look at two-bedroom prices in some of Florida's top cities:
| City | Median 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|
| Ohio (State) | $1,236 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $1,129 |
| Columbus, OH | $1,310 |
| Dayton, OH | $1,045 |
| Cleveland, OH | $1,049 |
How Much Does a House Cost in Ohio?
If you're not renting, then the good news is that houses are also generally more affordable in Ohio than many parts of the country. For the state as a whole, the current median home value is $183,300. Columbus has the highest home value for a major city in Ohio at $212,500.
| City | Median Home Value |
|---|---|
| Ohio (State) | $197,000 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $210,800 |
| Columbus, OH | $220,100 |
| Dayton, OH | $104,600 |
| Cleveland, OH | $97,300 |
Whether you rent or pay a monthly mortgage, your housing costs will be one of your highest living expenses. It’s a good idea to determine how high they can be before you move by building a budget around your anticipated housing costs in Ohio.
How Much Salary Do You Need to Live in Ohio?
To determine how much you can afford for rent, we use the budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income. At an average rate of $1,086 per month for rent in Ohio, you would need to earn a little over $43,440, or $20.67 an hour to afford an apartment in Ohio.
MIT uses a more complex living wage calculation to arrive at a very similar estimate: according to their research, the living wage in Ohio is $19.40, an hour, or around $40,352 to cover basic necessities (food, shelter, healthcare, etc.). Moreover, if you consider the U.S. Census Bureau data, the median income in Ohio is quite a bit higher than that minimum at $69,6800 per year, or $33.50 an hour. That shows a healthy median salary if you live in Ohio, even if it is lower than the U.S. median household income of $78,538 a year, or $37.78 an hour.
How Much Is Transportation in Ohio?
Getting around in Ohio can be costly, with average annual transportation costs of $9,911 for a single individual, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. A family of four living in Ohio with two working adults and two children can anticipate paying around $16,625 in transportation costs annually.
There is plenty of public transportation in Ohio, particularly if you live in a major city. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) covers different public transit systems in each part of the state.
However, if you prefer to get around using a personal vehicle, you can get a better idea of the costs associated with having your vehicle by looking at the average gas prices in the major cities in Ohio:
- Cincinnati: $3.41/gallon
- Columbus: $3.28/gallon
- Dayton: $3.20/gallon
- Cleveland: $3.27/gallon
- Youngstown: $3.21/gallon
Considering the national average is currently $3.53 per gallon of regular gas, Ohio’s gasoline costs are pretty low.
How Much Do Groceries Cost in Ohio?
The average single Ohio resident spends around $4,161 annually on food, roughly $346.75 per month. For a family of four with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $12,230 annually, approximately $1,019 per month.
These figures are associated with home-prepared food from the local Kroger, North Market, or Jungle Jim’s. It’s also good to budget for additional food costs if you are anything short of a mastermind in the kitchen.
With so many delicious restaurants and iconic Ohio foods, it’s hard to resist a few meals outside your kitchen. Don’t forget to account for eating out in your budget so you can try out the famous Buckeyes, Melrose apples, and Barberton Chicken.
To get a better idea of how to budget, here’s a look at some of the average costs for a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant across Ohio:
- Cincinnati: $60/meal
- Columbus: $75/meal
- Dayton: $55/meal
- Cleveland: $65/meal
- Youngstown: $40/meal
How Much Is Healthcare in Ohio?
A single adult without children will pay around $3,062 for medical care in a single year, while a family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $8,393, excluding child care.
Check out the federal healthcare marketplace to see what coverage is available in Ohio before moving. If your move happens any other time of the year outside of enrollment periods, which typically fall in November, you can report your move to ensure you qualify for out-of-state coverage.
You still might be able to stay on your parent’s policy if you’re under 26, even if you’re moving out of state. Check with your current provider to see which doctors fall in the network in your new location.
Ohio Fitness and Entertainment
There is no shortage of fitness and entertainment opportunities in Ohio, so it’s important to understand the costs associated with them.
Fitness
Ohio is a midwestern state known for its windy, snowy, and freezing winters. The freezing winter months can make outdoor exercise challenging to maintain year-round. To maintain your fitness, you might want to consider a gym membership.
Thankfully, the average cost of a monthly fitness club membership in Ohio’s most popular cities is relatively low:
- Cincinnati: $31.56/month
- Columbus: $43.33/month
- Dayton: $33.34/month
- Cleveland: $33.33/month
- Youngstown: $40/month
Ohio has several free outdoor activities when weather permits, including canoeing, rock climbing, and hiking. Of course, you’ll need to make adjustments to your wardrobe if you plan to get outdoors year-round, which also comes at an additional cost.
National and State Parks in Ohio
Ohio is home to eight national parks, with the most popular being:
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
In addition to national parks, Ohio also has 75 state parks with endless outdoor adventures. Some of the most popular state parks include:
- Delaware State Park
- Hocking Hills State Park
- Tar Hollow State Park
- Mt. Gilead State Park
- Caesar Street State Park
Museums
If you’re looking for great family-fun entertainment that is available all year round, you’ll also want to check out some of the countless museums in Ohio. Some of the state’s most famous museums include:
- National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
- Toledo Museum of Art
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Center of Science and Industry
Other Expenses to Consider in Ohio
Ohio has a progressive state income tax. The state sales tax is relatively low, but the municipalities charge additional rates. The current state sales tax rate is 5.75%, reaching up to 8% in some areas of the state.
You’ll also want to keep in mind additional expenses like movers, storage, hotels, and transportation when moving from out of state to Ohio. Once you arrive in Ohio, you’ll also need to think about other optional add-on costs that you may incur, including additional fees such as apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits.
Lastly, furnishing your new Ohio homes will also come with associated costs. You’ll have to account for this spending in your budget since you’ll want to do some decorating to make it feel like a home. Avoid overspending on furnishings and find out how to decorate your apartment on a budget.
Looking for an Apartment in Ohio?
If you want to move to an incredible state with stellar cities and a relatively reasonable cost of living, Ohio might be the best choice. Register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in Ohio!
FAQs: Cost of Living in Ohio
How expensive is an apartment in Ohio?
Current average rent in Ohio is around $1,086 a month across bedrooms of all sizes. For overall cost of living, Ohio is the 14th cheapest state in the country.
What is the cheapest rent in Ohio?
A one bedroom apartment in Youngstown, OH is the cheapest rent in Ohio and starts at $650 per month according to our latest listings in December 2024.
How expensive is it to live in Ohio?
Living in Ohio is relatively inexpensive in comparison to other popular states across the country. In Columbus, Ohio, rent averages $861 for a one bedroom apartment. Transportation costs in Ohio amount to $9,911 a year. Food costs $$4,161 a year on average for a single resident of Ohio.
How far is Ohio from New York?
Ohio is 535 miles away from New York. It takes 8 hours and 22 minutes to get to New York from Ohio by car, 57 hours by bike, and 187 hours by foot.
How far is Ohio from Texas?
Ohio is 1,287 miles away from Texas. It takes 19 hours and 16 minutes to get to Texas from Ohio by car, 114 hours by bike, and 421 hours by foot.
How far is Ohio from Michigan?
Ohio is 365 miles away from Michigan. It takes 5 hours and 27 minutes to get to Michigan from Ohio by car, 32 hours by bike, and 113 hours by foot.
What is the population of Ohio?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Ohio is 11,785,935. It is the 7th-most populated city in the state in the country.
What is a good salary in Ohio?
We use a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income. With an average rent of $1,086 for the state of Ohio, that means you would need to earn around $43,440 or $20.67 to live comfortably in Ohio. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is actually $69,680 or $33.50 an hour.
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