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Cost of Living in Mercer County

Is it better to rent or buy in Mercer County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$79,152
$810/mo

Median in area: $810

$219,976

Median in area: $219,976

$43,995

If you Rent

🔑
$1,027 /mo
Base Rent$810
Est. Utilities$217
% of Income15.6%
Pre-tax Residual$5,569

If you Buy

🏠
$1,694 /mo
P&I (7.127%)$1,186
Taxes & Ins$291
Est. Utilities$217
% of Income25.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,902

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Mercer County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyAdams County, IN
$877/mo
countyJay County, IN
$789/mo
countyDarke County, OH
$799/mo
countyVan Wert County, OH
$780/mo
countyAuglaize County, OH
$918/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Mercer County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Mercer County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,027, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,694 per month (a difference of $667).

How much do utilities cost in Mercer County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Mercer County is approximately $217. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Mercer County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Mercer County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $41,080 per year.