Cost of Living in Clay Center, OH

With a cost of living index of 60, Clay Center, OH is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 40% cheaper than the national average and 17% below the Ohio state average of 78. Clay Center is a small community of 367 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Clay Center's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $631 (52% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $121,200 (60% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Clay Center is $64,750, which is 14% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 12% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Clay Center. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.4°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 29°F. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches spread over roughly 127 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Sandusky, OH (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.