Cost of Living in Ohio
Overall index: 94.6 — ranked #29 of 51 (near the national average).
Where your money goes in Ohio
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Ohio
Estimated annual spending: $61,319($13,681 remaining)
What things cost in Ohio
| Item | Ohio | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $220,000 | $360,000 | $-140,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,226/mo | $1,400/mo | $-174 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.44/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.06 |
| Electric bill | $100/mo | $137/mo | $37 |
| Infant childcare | $17,071/yr | $13,500/yr | +$3,571 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.92 | $4.95 | $0.03 |
| Monthly groceries | $408/mo | $410/mo | $2 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Ohio vs national average
What a salary in Ohio is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,300 | $-2,700 |
| $75,000 | $70,950 | $-4,050 |
| $100,000 | $94,600 | $-5,400 |
| $125,000 | $118,250 | $-6,750 |
| $150,000 | $141,900 | $-8,100 |
| $200,000 | $189,200 | $-10,800 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in Ohio than the national average.
Compare Ohio with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Ohio?
Ohio has an overall cost-of-living index of 94.6, making it near the national average (ranked #29 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $220,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,226/month.
Is Ohio expensive to live in?
No, Ohio is more affordable than most states with an overall index of 94.6 (average = 100). Housing is particularly affordable at 87.6% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Ohio?
The median home price in Ohio is $220,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,226/month. Ohio's housing index is 87.6 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 12.400000000000006% below the national average.
How much are groceries in Ohio?
Ohio's grocery index is 99.4 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.92 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $408, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Ohio?
The average monthly electric bill in Ohio is $100 based on the state's residential rate of 11.29¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Ohio?
Center-based infant childcare in Ohio averages $17,071/year ($1,423/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Ohio?
A $75,000 salary in Ohio has the same purchasing power as $79,281 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Ohio Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Ohio taxes
- House Affordability in Ohio — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Ohio take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.