Ohio Cost of Living
Can you afford to live in the Buckeye State?
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Before moving to Ohio, it’s smart to understand what living here really costs. Knowing these expenses, from rent and groceries to health care and transportation, will help you set a clear budget and avoid surprises.
To determine the cost of living in Ohio, our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent official sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a complete picture of everyday expenses.
People in Ohio spend $50,583 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe median rent in Ohio is $1,076, versus the national median rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in Ohio spend $253.74 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $2.99 in Ohio.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Ohio pay $1,791 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in Ohio
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Ohio was $50,583 in 2023. This figure reflects the value of what residents consume each year across housing, health care, food, gas and energy, and other goods and services.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Ohio:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in Ohio |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $7,930 |
| Health care | $9,520 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $4,173 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $1,405 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $27,555 |
| Total cost | $50,583 |
Housing costs in Ohio
Housing tends to be the largest monthly expense for most Ohio families. According to 2025 data from Apartments.com, the average rent in Ohio is $1,076, while the national average rent is $1,639. Your housing costs will vary depending on city and home size. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey offers these average monthly rents in Ohio:
- One-bedroom rent: $820
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,036
- Three-bedroom rent: $1,179
- Four-bedroom rent: $1,260
If you plan to buy, the median home price in Ohio is $278,000, compared with the U.S. median home price of $446,638.
Property taxes are another important consideration. Ohio’s effective property tax rate is 1.31%. The state ranks No. 8 for the highest effective property tax rates in the nation.
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Food costs in Ohio
Your food costs in Ohio will depend on your shopping habits, meal preferences and family size. The most recent U.S. Census data shows that the average weekly grocery bill in Ohio is $253.74, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21.
Ohio’s food prices can vary based on where you live. Large metropolitan areas and popular college towns frequently have higher restaurant and grocery costs. In contrast, smaller communities and rural parts of Ohio may offer better deals, especially at local markets or discount stores. How often you dine out versus cook at home will have a noticeable effect on your overall food expenses.
Transportation costs in Ohio
The average price per gallon of regular gas in Ohio is $2.99, compared with the U.S. average of $3.13.
The average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Ohio is $909.47, versus the national average of $1,258.
Health care costs in Ohio
The average employee contribution for employer-sponsored health insurance in Ohio is $1,791 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,483 of the $8,274 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,640 out of a total premium of $8,182.
Utility costs in Ohio
The average monthly electric bill in Ohio is $124.68, versus $136.84 nationally.
Natural gas in Ohio costs $9.79 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $12.92 nationally.
FAQ
Does Ohio have a high cost of living?
No, Ohio does not have a high cost of living compared with the national average. In fact, it has one of the lowest costs of living in the U.S. Most families find home prices and rent much less expensive than in other states.
Is Ohio a good place to live?
Yes, Ohio is a good place to live if you value affordable housing and a manageable cost of living. While it isn’t currently one of the fastest-growing states, many people appreciate the mix of urban and rural communities and the steady availability of rental options.
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Is Ohio good for renters?
Yes, Ohio is good for renters. Rent in Ohio is more affordable than in many other states. Plenty of rental properties are available, especially in larger cities. While tenant protections may not be as strong as in some other states, renters who prioritize affordability and availability can find good options throughout Ohio.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
