A+
17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
42%
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 Barberton Ohio National
Cost of living8389100
Groceries9897100
Health care9796100
Housing5874100
Transportation9296100
Utilities9996100
Lifestyle & Entertainment8995100
Household Items9397100
Education & Childcare8893100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Barberton, OH

The cost of living in Barberton affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Barberton is 83, which is 17% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Barberton stands out by reporting housing costs that are 42.3% 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 Barberton Affordable?

Is Barberton 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 Barberton is 51.2% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 21.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Barberton has a median household income of $60,422, which is 25.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Barberton?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Barberton, healthcare costs are 3.2% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Barberton, the transportation index is 8% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Barberton, the utilities index registers at 0.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Barberton cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Barberton is 7% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Barberton is 17% lower than the national average
  • Barberton housing is 42% 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 Barberton

See all the best places to live around Barberton

Compare Barberton, 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$77,979$6,498$1,819$2,340
      Renters$41,530$3,461$969$1,246
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Barberton is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Barberton has a median income of about $77,979 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,819 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $41,530. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $969 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Sawyerwood, OH1,6457921.4%
      North Lawrence, OH2228218.4%
      Canton, OH73,4698218.5%
      Akron, OH203,0428317.0%
      Sterling, OH3548415.8%
      Barberton, OH26,8448316.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Chanhassen, MN26,83613029.7%
      Stevens Point, WI26,862936.7%
      Plainview, NY26,86516564.6%
      Cloverleaf, TX26,890928.3%
      Hercules, CA26,78617171.1%
      Barberton, OH26,8448316.7%
      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.