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Cost of Living in Ohio

Is it better to rent or buy in Ohio? 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.

$79,353
$1,108/mo

Median in area: $1,108

$231,009

Median in area: $231,009

$46,202

If you Rent

🔑
$1,311 /mo
Base Rent$1,108
Est. Utilities$203
% of Income19.8%
Pre-tax Residual$5,302

If you Buy

🏠
$1,767 /mo
P&I (6.962%)$1,225
Taxes & Ins$339
Est. Utilities$203
% of Income26.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,846

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Ohio?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Ohio. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,311, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,767 per month (a difference of $456).

How much do utilities cost in Ohio?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Ohio is approximately $203. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Ohio?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Ohio without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $52,440 per year.