A+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
44%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Sandusky Ohio National
Cost of living8492100
Goods & Services92100100
Groceries101101100
Health care9598100
Housing5673100
Transportation98100100
Utilities10399100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Sandusky, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Sandusky can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Sandusky cost of living index is 84, which is 16% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Sandusky stands out by reporting housing costs that are 44.2% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

Is Sandusky Affordable?

Is Sandusky an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Sandusky is 53.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 21.8% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Sandusky has a median household income of $41,082, which is 25.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sandusky?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Sandusky, the utilities index is 2.8% higher than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Sandusky, the transportation index is 2% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Sandusky cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. The index takes into account data from 300 independent researches, covering more than 60 goods and services across 6 different categories, to create an overall index for each area, with 100 being the average. The C2ER index does not include sales or income tax rates in their data, however AreaVibes does include both income and sales tax rates in the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sandusky is 9% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Sandusky is 16% lower than the national average
  • Sandusky housing is 44% lower than the national average
  • Ohio general sales tax is 13% higher than the national average
  • Ohio state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Sandusky

See all the best places to live around Sandusky

Compare Sandusky, OH Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$56,909$4,742$1,328$1,707
      Renters$27,563$2,297$643$827
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Sandusky, OH, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Sandusky, homeowners have a median income of $56,909. Using that number, a maximum of $1,328 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $27,563, which means there is a maximum of $643 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Ohio Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Ohio 5.75% 8%

      Ohio Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Ohio 0% 3.99%

      Goods & Services

      Item Sandusky National avg. Difference
      Haircut $23.67$24.262.5%
      Beauty Salon $35.31$45.5622.5%
      Toothpaste $3.68$3.700.5%
      Shampoo $1.45$1.2813.0%
      Movie $11.60$12.134.4%
      Bowling $18.27$18.001.5%

      Groceries

      Item Sandusky National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.46$5.846.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.39$1.5711.4%
      Milk $4.57$4.672.3%
      Potatoes $5.38$4.939.1%
      Pizza $9.98$12.0917.4%
      Beer $10.51$10.411.0%

      Health Care

      Item Sandusky National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $103.58$125.6817.6%
      Doctor $119.67$135.7811.9%
      Dentist $109.73$113.293.1%
      Ibuprofen $10.73$10.650.7%
      Lipitor $503.65$468.607.5%

      Housing

      Item Sandusky National avg. Difference
      Home Price $85,300.00$184,700.0053.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,788.16$2,346.6923.8%
      Apartment Rent $742.00$949.0021.8%

      Transportation

      Item Sandusky National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.41$3.461.4%
      Tire Balancing $57.76$59.923.6%

      Utilities

      Item Sandusky National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $205.88$193.996.1%
      Phone $186.78$192.252.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Vickery, OH1141000.4%
      Beulah Beach, OH12963.8%
      Clyde, OH6,1758811.9%
      Bellevue, OH7,9288911.4%
      Monroeville, OH1,3148911.1%
      Sandusky, OH24,6518415.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      West Memphis, AR24,6568218.2%
      Mill Creek East, WA24,64316868.3%
      Chestermere, AB24,643n/a 
      Northdale, FL24,66011111.0%
      Staunton, VA24,660981.7%
      Sandusky, OH24,6518415.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.