Is Ohio Expensive to Live In? A Cost of Living Breakdown

Living in Ohio often presents a more financially approachable option compared to many other parts of the United States. While the perception of affordability can be subjective, Ohio generally demonstrates a lower cost of living than the national average. This characteristic is influenced by various economic indicators and expenditure categories, which collectively shape the financial landscape for residents.

Overall Cost of Living

Ohio’s cost of living index stands at approximately 94, indicating that it is about 6% less expensive than the national average. The annual average cost of living in Ohio is estimated to be around $47,768, according to 2022 data.

Key Expenditure Categories

Housing expenses represent a significant portion of the cost of living, with Ohio typically offering more accessible prices than the national benchmark. The median home price across the state ranged from approximately $238,700 in April 2024 to $245,994 in the second quarter of 2025. For renters, a one-bedroom apartment can average around $1,300 monthly in Columbus, while in Cincinnati, average rents for a one-bedroom typically range from $980 to $1,118. Cleveland offers one-bedroom apartments with average rents spanning $857 to $1,150.

Essential utilities contribute to monthly household expenditures, though specific statewide averages for combined utility costs are not readily available. However, utilities in some areas, such as Columbus, can be slightly higher than the national average. Grocery costs for an individual in Ohio averaged around $340 per month in early 2024, reflecting generally manageable food expenses.

Transportation costs vary, with car insurance premiums for full coverage typically ranging from $990 to $1,823 annually. Public transportation options are available in major metropolitan areas, though specific fare averages were not detailed. Healthcare expenses also factor into the overall cost, with an average benchmark health insurance plan costing approximately $435 per month. The annual healthcare cost per Ohioan was estimated at $8,770 in 2022, and specific medical procedures, such as a CT scan, can range from $300 to $6,750, while a knee replacement averages around $31,124.

Taxation and Income Landscape

Ohio operates a progressive state income tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 3.50% for the 2024 tax year. In addition to state income tax, many Ohio municipalities levy their own local income taxes, which can be as high as 3%. These local taxes, often referred to as RITA taxes, apply to wages earned within those municipalities.

The state sales tax rate in Ohio is 5.75%, but county-specific sales taxes can add up to an additional 2.25%, leading to a total average sales tax rate of approximately 7.252%. Property taxes are another consideration, with an average effective property tax rate of 1.42% across the state, typically collected at the local level. These various tax obligations collectively influence the net income available to residents.

Ohio’s income levels generally fall below the national averages, which impacts overall affordability in conjunction with the cost of living. The median household income in Ohio was $69,680 in 2024, which is about 11% lower than the U.S. median household income. The average household income for Ohio was reported at $94,766 in 2024. These income figures, when considered alongside the state’s tax structure, help determine the purchasing power and financial comfort of residents.

Regional Cost Differences

The cost of living within Ohio is not uniform, exhibiting notable variations across different regions. Major metropolitan areas tend to have higher expenses, particularly for housing, compared to more suburban or rural locales. For instance, Columbus, as the state capital, saw median housing prices around $290,000 in April 2024. The overall cost of living in Columbus is estimated to be 8.4% lower than the U.S. average, yet it remains one of the state’s pricier cities for renters.

Cleveland presents a different housing market dynamic, with median home prices significantly lower than the statewide average, reported at $132,000 in April 2024 and $129,000 in July 2025. The cost of living in Cleveland is approximately 8% less expensive than the average U.S. city. Cincinnati’s median home price was $270,500 in April 2024, and its median rent was $1,350 in September 2024, with overall rents being about 31% lower than the national average. The choice of specific location within Ohio can considerably influence an individual’s actual living expenses.