Ohio Cost of Living Calculator
Ohio scores 93.0 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 85.8, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $69,750 here; its highest part is groceries at 98.6.
| Index | Ohio |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 93.0 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 85.8 |
| Groceries | 98.6 |
| Utilities | 96.3 |
| Transportation | 92.7 |
| Health care | 96.7 |
| Other goods and services | 95.4 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
Enter Your Details
Adjust values to see instant results
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
-$5,250.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
Ohio's figures fill the destination side: composite 93.0 for the salary, housing 85.8 for the rent, and 2.75% top rate for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
Ohio ranks 19th lowest of the 50 states on the composite index (93.0). Median household income: $72,212 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $1,294 a month.
What Ohio's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in Ohio | Rent at the U.S. average → in Ohio | Ohio income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,500 | $1,000 → $858 | $835 (1.8%) |
| $75,000 | $69,750 | $1,500 → $1,287 | $1,475 (2.1%) |
| $100,000 | $93,000 | $2,000 → $1,716 | $2,121 (2.3%) |
| $150,000 | $139,500 | $2,500 → $2,145 | $3,400 (2.4%) |
Ohio 2026 single-filer rates, after Ohio Department of Taxation — 2025 Ohio IT 1040 instructions, line 4 and the exemption credit (tax year 2025).
Ohio and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in Ohio | $1,500 rent there = in Ohio | $75,000 in Ohio = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 89.7 / 77.5 | $77,759 | $1,661 | $72,339 | 2.95% flat → 2.75% top rate |
| Kentucky | 94.0 / 79.4 | $74,202 | $1,621 | $75,806 | 3.5% flat → 2.75% top rate |
| Michigan | 92.1 / 82.9 | $75,733 | $1,552 | $74,274 | 4.25% flat → 2.75% top rate |
| Pennsylvania | 95.3 / 84.8 | $73,190 | $1,518 | $76,855 | 3.07% flat → 2.75% top rate |
| West Virginia | 87.0 / 69.9 | $80,172 | $1,841 | $70,161 | 4.58% top rate → 2.75% top rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ohio?
Ohio's composite index is 93.0 for Q2 2026, the 19th lowest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $69,750 buys in Ohio.
Which prices are highest and lowest in Ohio?
Against a U.S. average of 100, Ohio's highest part is groceries (98.6) and its lowest is housing (85.8); none of the six parts is above the national average (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in Ohio at 30% of income?
About $51,760 a year: Ohio's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,294 a month, and $15,528 a year is 30% of that salary.