Cost of Living in Ohio

Ohio has a cost of living index of 78, making it 22% less expensive than the national average. The statewide median household income is $71,849 (4% below the US median of $75,149). Across 1,192 cities tracked in Ohio, costs vary widely depending on location, proximity to metro areas, and local housing markets.

Housing drives most of the variation. The average median rent across Ohio cities is $951/mo (28% below the national median of $1,319), and the average median home value is $176,135 (42% below the national figure of $304,900). There is a 146-point spread between the most affordable city, Youngstown (index 57), and the most expensive, The Village of Indian Hill (index 203) — an enormous range that reflects dramatic differences in housing markets within the state.

Ohio stands out as a strong value destination: the lower-than-average cost of living paired with near-average or above-average incomes means residents' dollars stretch further here than in most states.

The largest cities in Ohio by population are Columbus (index 89, pop. 906,480), Cleveland (index 67, pop. 367,523), Cincinnati (index 80, pop. 309,595), Toledo (index 67, pop. 268,461), and Akron (index 70, pop. 189,526). Cost of living varies considerably even among these major population centers, highlighting the importance of comparing individual cities rather than relying on the state average alone.

Data: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow, HUD, BEA Regional Price Parities. Updated monthly.