A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
37%
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 Bedford Ohio National
Cost of living8689100
Groceries9797100
Health care9896100
Housing6374100
Transportation9596100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9693100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bedford, OH

Knowing the cost of living in Bedford allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Bedford stands at 86, marking it 14% lower than the national average.

Is Bedford Affordable?

Is Bedford 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 Bedford is 49.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 8.7% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Bedford has a median household income of $69,542, which is 14.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bedford?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Bedford starts at 5.75% and the income tax rates start at 2.76%.

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.

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 Bedford, the groceries index is 3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Bedford 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 Bedford is 4% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Bedford is 14% lower than the national average
  • Bedford housing is 37% 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 Bedford

See all the best places to live around Bedford

Compare Bedford, 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$83,641$6,970$1,951$2,509
      Renters$60,251$5,021$1,406$1,808
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Bedford 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. Bedford has a median income of about $83,641 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,951 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $60,251. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,406 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.
      East Cleveland, OH17,5638020.2%
      Linndale, OH3468118.5%
      Kinsman Center, OH6748218.1%
      Highland Hills, OH7828218.0%
      Cleveland, OH391,3408118.9%
      Bedford, OH12,8078614.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Conneaut, OH12,8048614.2%
      Urbana, MD12,81115958.9%
      Brighton, ON12,811n/a 
      Cheney, WA12,81611313.1%
      Marion, AR12,792982.2%
      Bedford, OH12,8078614.1%
      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.