By Kim Franke-Folstad

(Last Updated – November 5, 2024)

You might visit Ohio to check out legendary tourist sites like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Cedar Point amusement park. But the state’s friendly people, scenery, and cool (but still affordable) cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati also can make it a great place to live.

The Buckeye State has long been known for its midwestern hospitality, affordability, and quality of life. And if you’re a sports fan, you’ll easily find a college or pro team to cheer for — whether you’re into baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, or all of the above.

Read on to learn more about the cost of living in Ohio, and if it might be a good fit for you.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Ohio?

Average Cost of Living in Ohio: $47,768 per year

If you’re looking for a midwestern state with a mid-range cost of living, Ohio may be the place for you. It ranks 22nd in the U.S. for cost of living, according to data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). That makes it pretty close in cost to neighbors Pennsylvania (25th) and Kentucky (18th); but a little more expensive than nearby Michigan (11th), Indiana (9th), and West Virginia (which has the lowest cost of living in the country).

What is the cost of living in Ohio? According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis , the annual average cost of living in Ohio is $47,768. Based on that number, it would cost $3,674 per month to live in the Buckeye State.

Here’s how that brekas down into major categories.

Housing Costs in Ohio

Average Housing Costs in Ohio: $832 to $1,557 per month

Housing is one of the biggest costs you’ll encounter no matter where you live, but according to MERIC data, housing costs in Ohio are below the national average. That’s good news whether you’re buying your first home or a sweet retirement spot.

Ohio has more than 5 million housing units, according to the latest Census data. And whether you rent or buy, you still may have a shot at finding a place for less than $1,500 a month. Zillow lists the typical Ohio home value at about $231,710, compared with a U.S. national average home value of around $360,000.

Here’s what monthly housing prices can look like in Ohio, according to the latest Census data from 2023:

•  Median monthly home loan cost: $1,429

•  Median studio rent: $832

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $820

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $1,063

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,179

•   Median four-bedroom rent: $1,260

•   Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $1,282

•   Median four-bedroom rent: $1,014

Of course, Ohio home prices can vary significantly depending on where you are in the state. Both the state and local nonprofits often have programs, including down payment assistance programs, to help cover some costs for those who qualify as a first-time homebuyer, so look into those if you are interested in purchasing a home in Ohio. Here are the average home values in 10 major Ohio cities, according to Zillow.

Utility Costs in Ohio

Average Utility Costs in Ohio: $400 per month

Once you’ve got your housing costs covered, there’s still the utility bills to consider. Costs can vary based on location and time of year, but here’s a look at what you can expect to spend monthly in Ohio.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, 2021; Inspirecleanenergy.com; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report 2022; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in Ohio: $342 per person, per month

Another ongoing expense for individuals and families is buying groceries and eating out. Along with your personal food choices and family size, where you live also can affect how much you’ll spend on food.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the average Ohioan’s non-restaurant food cost is $4,106 annually, or about $342 per month. That means a family of four can expect to spend about $1,369 on groceries each month.

The Council for Community and Economic Research , which ranks the food costs in major American cities, ranked Ohio cities from lowest to highest for their grocery costs from the first quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Ohio: $9,911 to $16,605 per year

At least two Ohio cities, Columbus and Cleveland, have been named among the top cities for U.S. commuters in recent years. Still, transportation costs can be a budget-buster, depending on the current price of gas and whether you have access to public transportation.

Family size, including the number of working adults in the home, also can be a factor in how much your transportation costs will be in Ohio. The following results from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator , with data from the first quarter of 2024, can give you a general idea of what to expect when it comes to costs.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Ohio: $8,770 per person, per year

Your health care needs, as well as your insurance coverage, will help determine how much you end up paying for care each year for yourself and your family. But according to the 2022 Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures by State report, the annual cost of health care per Ohioan is $8,770.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Ohio: $763 to $1,060 or more per child, per month

Having kids can have a major impact on your budget, and child care could be one of the biggest expenses you’ll have to manage. In Ohio, the price you pay for care may depend on how old your child is and whether or not you choose home-based family care.

Here are the average child care costs in Ohio, per the most recent data from CostofChildCare.org .

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Ohio: 3.5%

Ohio residents get a bit of a break when it comes to state income taxes. At 3.5%, Ohio’s highest marginal state income tax rate is lower than many other states in the Midwest and in the U.S., as noted by the Tax Foundation . (If you want to live in a state that has no income tax, you may want to consider living in Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, or Wyoming.)

Miscellaneous Costs

Now that we’ve covered the essentials (food, housing, utilities, etc.), let’s turn our attention to the fun stuff.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Ohio, whether you’re into sports, music, grabbing a bite to eat, or enjoying the great outdoors. Here’s a look at how you might spend some of your discretionary funds as an Ohio resident:

•  A day at one of Ohio’s 74 state parks: There is no cost for using park trails, picnic areas, and other facilities at state parks. (There are fees for camping and golfing, however.)

•  Admission to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Prices range from free for kids 5 and under to $35 for adults; discounts are available for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio residents, college students, and members of the military.

•  Single-game ticket to a Cleveland Cavaliers NBA game: Tickets generally run from about $47 each (for nosebleed seats) to $1,000+ (on the floor).

•  Cincinnati-style chili at Skyline Chili: It costs about $10 for a “Loaded Bowl.”

•  A day at the Columbus Zoo: One-day tickets are $28 for kids 3-9, $33.99 for 60+, and $35 for anyone 10-59; Franklin County, Ohio, residents get a discount.

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How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Ohio?

We all have different wants and needs, so it’s hard to say exactly how much money you might require to maintain a lifestyle that’s comfortable for you in Ohio (or anywhere). But Ohio has a pretty good rep for affordability when compared to the cost of living in other states. U.S. News & World Report Affordability Rankings named Ohio as the 16th most affordable state in 2024. And remember, MERIC’s cost of living data also ranked Ohio as one of the more affordable states, at #22. So if you think Ohio sounds like a good match for you based on job opportunities, the things you like to do, and the type of home you hope to have, you may be able to live comfortably there.

What Ohio Cities Have the Lowest Cost of Living?

These three Ohio cities all have a low cost of living, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research Cost of Living Index from the first quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. Find more bargains in a guide to the Best Affordable Places in the U.S.

Cleveland

Cleveland is probably best known for its sports teams (NFL, NBA, and MLB) and its tourist attractions. But Ohio’s second-largest city is also a major port, and several large companies are based there, including Progressive, Sherwin Williams, and American Greetings. The city has several walkable neighborhoods, amazing downtown architecture, and is the home of the well-regarded Cleveland Symphony and the Cleveland Museum of Art. And yet, Cleveland’s cost-of-living index (91.3) is relatively low compared to other metro areas. Zillow reported an average home value of $234,371 in August 2024.

Columbus

Columbus, Ohio’s capital and most populous city, also has a low cost of living index (92.8) for a city with so much to offer. It’s the home of Ohio State University, one of the largest universities by enrollment in the U.S. There’s also a lively business district and, thanks to its younger demographic, plenty to do for fun — from taking in the vibrant bar and restaurant scene in the Short North Arts District to visiting the many parks and gardens throughout the city and its surrounding area. As noted above, Zillow reported an average home value of $316,825 in August 2024.

Findlay

The city of Findlay, which is about 40 miles south of Toledo, is much smaller than Cleveland or Columbus, and it’s in a more rural part of the state. Still, in many ways, it’s more metro-y than smalltown. Findlay has built a reputation as a fun weekend getaway for Ohioans looking for good food, fun shops, and diverse cultural offerings. And housing options range from urban rentals to family-oriented neighborhoods. It’s also the headquarters of Marathon Petroleum, a Fortune 100 company. Findlay has the same low cost of living index as Columbus (92.8). Zillow reported an average home value of $231,719.

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Helpful Resources for Future Ohio Residents

By Rebecca Safier

(Last Updated – November 5, 2024)

Did you know that Central Park, at 843 acres, is bigger than the principality of Monaco? Or that the Empire State Building has its own zip code?

If you move to the state of New York, you could entertain your visitors with these fun facts and more. But before you pack your bags for the Empire State, understand that New York’s cost of living is among the highest in the country. From rent to transportation to childcare, here’s a closer look at how much it costs to live in New York.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in New York?

If you’re in a New York State of mind, you may need an average monthly budget of $4,881 to get by. New York is the fourth most expensive state in the U.S. after Hawaii, California, and Massachusetts, according to 2022 data from MERIC (the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center). MERIC compiles data on the national average cost of living in the U.S., which forms a baseline of 100. New York state’s cost-of-living index is 123.5 — 23.5 points above the national average.

There’s no getting around it: The average monthly expenses for one person are high, and if you have a family, the costs climb. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts the average cost of living in New York at $58,571 per year. New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the country, while more rural areas of New York State have a lower cost of living.

Here’s what you can expect to pay in New York State in major spending categories.

Housing Costs in New York

Average Housing Costs in New York: $1,008 to $1,864 per month

New York has over 8.6 million housing units, according to the latest U.S. Census data. The typical home value in New York is $478,973, Zillow reports, more than $100,000 above the U.S. average home value of $359,852. (If you are looking for a home loan in New York, remember to check into whether you qualify as a first-time homebuyer, as there are special programs for those who are buying a first home or who haven’t owned a primary residence in the last three years.)

If you’re a renter, here’s what to expect in monthly average costs:

•  Studio: $1,444

•  1 bedroom: $1,419

•  2 bedrooms: $1,502

•  3 bedrooms: $1,673

•  4 bedrooms: $1,845

•  5 or more bedrooms: $1,749

•  Median gross rent: $1,499

For those looking to buy a home, understand that there’s a lot of variation in house prices across the state of New York. You’d end up spending a lot more to live in the Big Apple than you would in a small town upstate — New York City is never going to wind up on anyone’s list of the best affordable places in the U.S. In fact, many buyers in New York City need a jumbo loan.

The good news: For qualified homebuyers, down payment assistance programs are available to help defray some of the cost associated with a home purchase.

Here are some typical home values in cities throughout New York State.

Utility Costs in New York

Average Utility Costs in New York: $410 per month

Along with your mortgage or rent payments, you’ll also have to factor the cost of utilities into your monthly budget. Here’s how the average utility bills break down in New York by major category.

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in New York: $1,401 per month

When hunger strikes, how much can you expect to spend on food in New York? According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average annual spend on non-restaurant food is $4,119 per person in New York, which comes out to about $343 per month.

As with housing, though, average food costs can vary depending on where you live in New York. Here’s how the Council for Community and Economic Research ranks the cost of groceries in various New York places in early 2024, from lowest to highest.

Transportation

If you’re living outside a major urban area, chances are you’ll need a car to get from place to place. Those who dwell in New York City, on the other hand, will likely rely on the subway for transportation. Either way, here’s how much you can expect transportation to cost you in New York, depending on your family size, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Living Wage Calculator .

Health Care

Healthcare can be a major cost in the United States. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average annual per capita cost of healthcare in New York is $10,124. By comparison, the average annual per capita cost in the U.S. as a whole is $8,331.

Child Care

Child care can be a big expense and varies depending on the type of care you choose. Here’s what you can expect to pay for child care each month in New York, according to CostofChildCare.org .

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in New York: 10.90%

New York has some of the highest tax rates in the country. State income taxes can go up to 10.90% for residents at the top of the graduated-rate income scale. The only states with higher tax rates are California (13.30%) and Hawaii (11.00%).

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Miscellaneous Costs

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that you might spend $32,720 per year on personal expenses in New York. With no shortage of activities to choose from in the state, what might you spend some of that money on?

Here are a few miscellaneous costs you could have:

•  Broadway theater tickets: $20 – $145

•  Tour of top deck of Empire State Building: $79

•  Ice skating at Rockefeller Center: $21 – $114

•  Ticket to Yankee Stadium: Starting at $9.90

•  Maid of the Mist boat tour of Niagara Falls: $28.50

•  Season ski pass in New York State: $305 – $1,699

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in New York?

Everyone has their own definition of what it means to live comfortably, and your costs will vary depending on your lifestyle, how many people are in your family, and other factors. That said, U.S. News & World Report puts New York at number 45 on its state affordability ranking, just after California; Hawaii; New Jersey; Washington, DC; and Massachusetts. MERIC also has New York near the bottom of its list for affordability with a cost of living index of 123.5.

However, where you choose to live in New York can make a big difference to your costs and lifestyle. New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the country, whereas a rural town upstate will have significantly lower costs.

Recommended: The Different Types of Home Mortgage Loan

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in New York?

If you’re looking for an affordable city in New York to call home, here are three options worth exploring, based on the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index.

Herkimer County

Cost of living index: 94.8; median home sale price $170,000 per Redfin. (Herkimer County is northwest of Albany; towns there include Herkimer and Mohawk.)

Buffalo

Cost of living index: 96.0; median home sale price $201,000 per Redfin

Utica

Cost of living index: 96.8; median home sale price $175,000 per Redfin

Helpful Resources for Future New York Residents