Cost of Living in Wooster, OH

With a cost of living index of 75, Wooster, OH is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 25% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Ohio state average. With a population of 27,012, Wooster is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Wooster's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $882 (33% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $198,400 (35% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Wooster is $65,888, which is 12% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% 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.

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.