A+
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
51%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Ashtabula Ohio National
Cost of living8289100
Groceries9997100
Health care9796100
Housing4974100
Transportation9596100
Utilities9696100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9993100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Ashtabula, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Ashtabula 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 Ashtabula cost of living index is 82, which is 18% 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.

Housing expenses can absorb a substantial portion of your net income, sometimes exceeding 30%. Thankfully, Ashtabula stands out by reporting housing costs that are 51.4% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Ashtabula can allocate a more reasonable portion of their income to housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility.

Is Ashtabula Affordable?

Is Ashtabula 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 Ashtabula is 60.9% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 29.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Ashtabula has a median household income of $51,068, which is 37.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ashtabula?

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Ashtabula, the utilities index registers 4% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Ashtabula, the groceries index is 1% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Ashtabula cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ashtabula is 8% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Ashtabula is 18% lower than the national average
  • Ashtabula housing is 51% lower than the national average
  • Ohio general sales tax is 13% higher than the national average
  • Ohio state income tax is 6% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Ashtabula

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Compare Ashtabula, OH Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$74,974$6,248$1,749$2,249
      Renters$28,230$2,353$659$847
      The affordability of the housing market in Ashtabula, OH as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Ashtabula homeowners, the median income is $74,974. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,749 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $28,230. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $659 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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 2.76% 3.99%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH1,0038416.1%
      Edgewood, OH4,4938415.9%
      Conneaut, OH12,8048614.2%
      Geneva, OH6,0878712.8%
      North Madison, OH8,964919.4%
      Ashtabula, OH18,7018217.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Somerset, MA18,70012524.7%
      Trenton, MI18,684955.4%
      St. Marys, GA18,7201087.8%
      North Massapequa, NY18,68114948.8%
      Schofield Barracks, HI18,72417575.1%
      Ashtabula, OH18,7018217.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.