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Cost of Living in Summit County

Is it better to rent or buy in Summit 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.

$81,312
$1,156/mo

Median in area: $1,156

$220,813

Median in area: $220,813

$44,163

If you Rent

🔑
$1,350 /mo
Base Rent$1,156
Est. Utilities$194
% of Income19.9%
Pre-tax Residual$5,426

If you Buy

🏠
$1,749 /mo
P&I (7.185%)$1,197
Taxes & Ins$358
Est. Utilities$194
% of Income25.8%
Pre-tax Residual$5,027

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Summit County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyWayne County, OH
$893/mo
countyStark County, OH
$938/mo
countyMedina County, OH
$1,288/mo
countyCuyahoga County, OH
$1,198/mo
countyPortage County, OH
$1,072/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Summit County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,350, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,749 per month (a difference of $399).

How much do utilities cost in Summit County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Summit County is approximately $194. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Summit County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $54,000 per year.