Cost of Living in Forest, OH

With a cost of living index of 64, Forest, OH is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 36% cheaper than the national average and 14% below the Ohio state average of 78. Forest is a small community of 1,401 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Forest's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $749 (43% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $106,800 (65% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Forest is $46,111, which is 39% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% 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 Forest. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.4°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 30°F. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches spread over roughly 126 days.

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.