Cost of Living in Ohio [2024]
Ohio is an underdog state with plenty to offer. Often misunderstood, Ohio is unpretentious, filled with friendly strangers willing to chat you up in your local grocery store. Many don’t know that during the warmer months of the year, you can island hop on a ferry along the coast of Lake Erie, enjoying all of the sun-soaked summer activities your heart can handle. You can also find some of the country’s best art museums and the world’s best symphonies in the Buckeye State.
And the best part is that it’s easy to find somewhere to live within your budget. Let's explore the cost of living in Ohio to find out if a move there is right for you.
Cost of Living in Ohio
What Is the Cost of Living in Ohio?
The cost of living in Ohio is currently 7.99% below the national average, making Ohio the 14th cheapest state in the U.S. Even the most expensive city in Ohio, Lima, is only 0.8% higher than the national average.
Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Ohio?
The most expensive city in Ohio is Lima, where the cost of living is 9.55% higher compared to the state average and 0.8% higher than in the rest of the U.S.
Where Is the Cost of Living Lowest in Ohio?
The cheapest major city in Ohio is Youngstown-Warren, with a cost of living being 10.66% lower compared to the state average and 17.8% lower than the national average.
How Much Is Rent in Ohio?
Rent overall in Ohio currently averages around $1,065 a month across bedrooms of all sizes. Here's how that breaks down for different cities:
| City | Median 1-Bedroom Rent | Median 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio (State) | $844 | $1,086 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $891 | $1,126 |
| Columbus, OH | $1,102 | $1,319 |
| Dayton, OH | $791 | $1,049 |
| Cleveland, OH | $807 | $1,006 |
For a more detailed breakdown, here is a list of average rent prices in the five of the most popular cities to live in Ohio, including Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, and Youngstown.
Ohio has rental properties in all forms, from luxury high-rise apartments in the city to single-family homes in rural areas. There’s something to fit every renter’s taste in Ohio. While Ohio’s rent prices are relatively affordable, you can still save considerably by renting with a roommate.
Finding the Best Ohio Apartment for You
If you're uncertain about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before making a long-term 12 month commitment. If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no credit check apartments. Lastly, if you prefer to rent from the owner of an apartment and have a more personal relationship with them rather than property managers, consider a for rent by owner apartment.
How Much Is Housing in Ohio?
If you're not renting, then the good news is that houses are also generally more affordable in Ohio than many parts of the country. For the state as a whole, the current median home value is $183,300. Columbus has the highest home value for a major city in Ohio at $212,500.
| City | Median Home Value |
|---|---|
| Ohio (State) | $183,300 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $192,000 |
| Columbus, OH | $212,500 |
| Dayton, OH | $86,200 |
| Cleveland, OH | $87,400 |
Whether you rent or pay a monthly mortgage, your housing costs will be one of your highest living expenses. It’s a good idea to determine how high they can be before you move by building a budget around your anticipated housing costs in Ohio.
How Much Are Utilities in Ohio?
Renters spend, on average, around $239.46 a month on utilities in Ohio. This includes electricity, gas, fuel, and water, and is slightly lower than the U.S. average of $253.14. Average utility bills can vary dramatically, depending on where you move in Ohio. Let's take a look at how that breaks down by location:
| Location | Electric | Gas | Water | Fuel | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $128.05 | $64.90 | $42.69 | $3.80 | $239.46 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $150.58 | $45.45 | $47.73 | $3.42 | $247.19 |
| Columbus, OH | $131.28 | $63.57 | $44.84 | $2.52 | $242.21 |
| Cleveland, OH | $109.16 | $74.64 | $51.45 | $1.75 | $237.00 |
| Youngstown, OH | $118.77 | $64.52 | $44.79 | $5.52 | $233.61 |
| Dayton, OH | $112.73 | $62.60 | $44.52 | $2.70 | $222.54 |
Learn more about the estimated utility costs per city!
Remember, these average costs do not include other expenses, such as the internet. The average monthly cost of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these major cities are:
- Cincinnati: $60/month
- Columbus: $72.16/month
- Dayton: $67.49/month
- Cleveland: $70/month
- Youngstown: $85.83/month
You’ll also want to consider your cell phone bill. According to the national average, your monthly cell phone bill will cost you around $127.
To help save on some of your monthly costs, you might be able to bundle your cell phone with your internet provider. Don’t be afraid to ask your provider about these discounts, including specials for new customers.
How Much Salary Do You Need to Live in Ohio?
We use a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income in order to live comfortably. At an average rate of $1,065 per month for rent in Ohio, you would need to earn a little over $40,000 to afford an apartment in Ohio.
MIT uses a more complex living wage calculation to arrive at a very similar estimate: according to their research, the living wage in Ohio is $40,359 to cover basic necessities (food, shelter, healthcare, etc.). Moreover, the median income in Ohio is quite a bit higher than that minimum at $66,990 per year.
How Much Is Transportation in Ohio?
Getting around in Ohio can be costly, with average annual transportation costs of $9,911 for a single individual, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. A family of four living in Ohio with two working adults and two children can anticipate paying around $16,625 in transportation costs annually.
There is plenty of public transportation in Ohio, particularly if you live in a major city. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) covers different public transit systems in each part of the state.
However, if you prefer o get around using a personal vehicle, you can get a better idea of the costs associated with having your vehicle by looking at the average gas prices in the major cities in Ohio:
- Cincinnati: $3.41/gallon
- Columbus: $3.38/gallon
- Dayton: $3.12/gallon
- Cleveland: $3.36/gallon
- Youngstown: $3.26/gallon
Considering the national average is currently $3.65 per gallon of regular gas, Ohio’s gasoline costs are pretty low.
How Much Are Food Costs in Ohio?
The average single Ohio resident spends around $4,161 annually on food, roughly $346.75 per month. For a family of four with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $12,230 annually, approximately $1019 per month.
These figures are associated with home-prepared food from the local Kroger, North Market, or Jungle Jim’s. It’s also good to budget for additional food costs if you are anything short of a mastermind in the kitchen.
With so many delicious restaurants and iconic Ohio foods, it’s hard to resist a few meals outside your kitchen. Don’t forget to account for eating out in your budget so you can try out the famous Buckeyes, Melrose apples, and Barberton Chicken.
To get a better idea of how to budget, here’s a look at some of the average costs for a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant across Ohio:
- Cincinnati: $65/meal
- Columbus: $70/meal
- Dayton: $54/meal
- Cleveland: $70.50/meal
- Youngstown: $44.46/meal
How Much Is Healthcare in Ohio?
A single adult without children will pay around $3,062 for medical care in a single year, while a family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $8,393, excluding child care.
Check out the federal healthcare marketplace to see what coverage is available in Ohio before moving. If your move happens any other time of the year outside of enrollment periods, which typically fall in November, you can report your move to ensure you qualify for out-of-state coverage.
You still might be able to stay on your parent’s policy if you’re under 26, even if you’re moving out of state. Check with your current provider to see which doctors fall in the network in your new location.
Ohio Fitness and Entertainment
There is no shortage of fitness and entertainment opportunities in Ohio, so it’s important to understand the costs associated with them.
Fitness
Ohio is a midwestern state known for its windy, snowy, and freezing winters. The freezing winter months can make outdoor exercise challenging to maintain year-round. To maintain your fitness, you might want to consider a gym membership.
Thankfully, the average cost of a monthly fitness club membership in Ohio’s most popular cities is relatively low:
- Cincinnati: $31.31/month
- Columbus: $43/month
- Dayton: $26/month
- Cleveland: $37.64/month
- Youngstown: $30.25/month
Ohio has several free outdoor activities when weather permits, including canoeing, rock climbing, and hiking. Of course, you’ll need to make adjustments to your wardrobe if you plan to get outdoors year-round, which also comes at an additional cost.
National and State Parks
Ohio is home to eight national parks, with the most popular being:
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
In addition to national parks, Ohio also has 75 state parks with endless outdoor adventures. Some of the most popular state parks include:
- Delaware State Park
- Hocking Hills State Park
- Tar Hollow State Park
- Mt. Gilead State Park
- Caesar Street State Park
Museums
If you’re looking for great family-fun entertainment that is available all year round, you’ll also want to check out some of the countless museums in Ohio. Some of the state’s most famous museums include:
- National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
- Toledo Museum of Art
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Center of Science and Industry
Other Expenses to Consider in Ohio
Ohio has a progressive state income tax. The state sales tax is relatively low, but the municipalities charge additional rates. The current state sales tax rate is 5.75%, reaching up to 8% in some areas of the state.
You’ll also want to keep in mind additional expenses like movers, storage, hotels, and transportation when moving from out of state to Ohio. Once you arrive in Ohio, you’ll also need to think about other optional add-on costs that you may incur, including additional fees such as apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits.
Lastly, furnishing your new Ohio homes will also come with associated costs. You’ll have to account for this spending in your budget since you’ll want to do some decorating to make it feel like a home. Avoid overspending on furnishings and find out how to decorate your apartment on a budget.
Looking for a Rental in Ohio?
If you want to move to an incredible state with stellar cities and a relatively reasonable cost of living, Ohio might be the best choice. Register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in Ohio!
FAQs: Cost of Living in Ohio
How expensive is an apartment in Ohio?
Current average rent in Ohio is around $1,065 a month across bedrooms of all sizes. For overall cost of living, Ohio is the 14th cheapest state in the country.
What is the cheapest rent in Ohio?
A one bedroom apartment in Youngstown, OH is the cheapest rent in Ohio and starts at $600 per month according to our latest listings in May 2024.
How expensive is it to live in Ohio?
Living in Ohio is relatively inexpensive in comparison to other popular states across the country. In Columbus, Ohio, rent averages $1,048 for a one bedroom apartment. Transportation costs in Ohio amount to $5,356 a year. Food costs $4,010 a year on average for a single resident of Ohio.
How far is Ohio from New York?
Ohio is 535 miles away from New York. It takes 8 hours and 22 minutes to get to New York from Ohio by car, 57 hours by bike, and 187 hours by foot.
How far is Ohio from Texas?
Ohio is 1,287 miles away from Texas. It takes 19 hours and 16 minutes to get to Texas from Ohio by car, 114 hours by bike, and 421 hours by foot.
How far is Ohio from Michigan?
Ohio is 365 miles away from Michigan. It takes 5 hours and 27 minutes to get to Michigan from Ohio by car, 32 hours by bike, and 113 hours by foot.
What is the population of Ohio?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Ohio is 11,785,935. It is the 7th-most populated city in the state in the country.
What is a good salary in Ohio?
We use a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income. With an average rent of $1,065 for the state of Ohio, that means you would need to earn a bit over $40,000 to live comfortably in Ohio. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is actually $66,890.
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