A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
34%
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 Bellefontaine Ohio National
Cost of living8789100
Groceries9697100
Health care9996100
Housing6674100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9795100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9893100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bellefontaine, OH

Knowing the cost of living in Bellefontaine 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 Bellefontaine stands at 87, marking it 13% lower than the national average.

Is Bellefontaine Affordable?

Is Bellefontaine affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Bellefontaine, for instance, where the median home price falls 36.9% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 27.5% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Bellefontaine flaunting a median household income of $75,733, 6.9% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bellefontaine?

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.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Bellefontaine, the healthcare costs are 1.3% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Bellefontaine, the general sales tax rate starts at 5.75%, and income tax rates begin at 2.76%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Bellefontaine shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bellefontaine is 2% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Bellefontaine is 13% lower than the national average
  • Bellefontaine housing is 34% 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 Bellefontaine

See all the best places to live around Bellefontaine

Compare Bellefontaine, 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$106,119$8,843$2,476$3,184
      Renters$55,349$4,612$1,291$1,661
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Bellefontaine 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. Bellefontaine has a median income of about $106,119 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,476 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $55,349. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,291 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 Liberty, OH402964.2%
      Lewistown, OH272964.2%
      Ridgeway, OH3588118.6%
      Russells Point, OH1,4708317.4%
      Lakeview, OH1,1718317.2%
      Bellefontaine, OH13,6588712.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Port Royal, SC13,6541109.9%
      Richton Park, IL13,649972.8%
      West Grey, ON13,645n/a 
      Montgomeryville, PA13,67212424.5%
      Huron, SD13,6728613.6%
      Bellefontaine, OH13,6588712.6%
      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.