Cost of living in Ohio
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Ohio are 7.2% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 92.8 (U.S. = 100), making it the #17 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare Ohio with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Ohio prices
- 4.6% pricier
- Take-home in Ohio at $75,000
- $59,980$4,998 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $62,749$5,229 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −1.8%−$1,157 a year in Ohio buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Ohio take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Ohio with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Ohio as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Ohio? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Ohio prices by category
| Category | Ohio | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 92.8 | −7.2% |
| Goods | 93.7 | −6.3% |
| Housing (rent) | 73.0 | −27.0% |
| Utilities | 95.8 | −4.2% |
| Other services | 98.9 | −1.1% |
Low housing costs keep Ohio affordable: rents run 27% below average. The overall price level rose 0.9% relative to the nation versus 2023 (91.9). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Ohio, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $8,570 | $41,430 | $44,657 | $53,894 |
| $75,000 | $15,020 | $59,980 | $64,652 | $80,842 |
| $100,000 | $23,120 | $76,880 | $82,868 | $107,789 |
At $75,000, Ohio ranks #15 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Ohio paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Ohio equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Ohio. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Ohio once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | +5.2% | $78,879 | $80,721 |
| West Virginia | −3.5% | $72,351 | $73,198 |
| Kentucky | −2.8% | $72,886 | $73,810 |
| Indiana | +0.6% | $75,449 | $76,379 |
| Michigan | +3.7% | $77,783 | $80,372 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −6.3% | $70,281 | $70,351 |
| Mississippi | −6.3% | $70,294 | $70,316 |
| Iowa | −5.4% | $70,948 | $71,012 |
| Oklahoma | −5.3% | $71,014 | $72,007 |
| California | +19.3% | $89,508 | $97,921 |
| Hawaii | +18.5% | $88,886 | $96,959 |
| Washington, DC | +18.5% | $88,846 | $95,955 |
| New Jersey | +17.3% | $87,960 | $93,636 |
| Texas | +4.6% | $78,462 | $76,645 |
| Florida | +11.5% | $83,602 | $82,487 |
| New York | +16.3% | $87,245 | $93,621 |
Moving from Ohio to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Ohio expensive to live in?
Ohio has a price level of 92.8 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 7.2% below the national average. It ranks #17 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Ohio?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $69,581 in Ohio before taxes. After Ohio taxes, $75,000 takes home $59,980 — worth $64,652 at U.S.-average prices, #15 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Ohio?
Ohio's housing price level is 73.0, meaning rents are 27.0% below the national average. Goods are 93.7 and utilities 95.8.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
West Virginia (price level 89.5, −3.5% vs Ohio). A $75,000 Ohio salary is equivalent to $73,198 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.