A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
17%
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 Clayton Ohio National
Cost of living9289100
Groceries9897100
Health care9696100
Housing8374100
Transportation9496100
Utilities9496100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9495100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9893100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Clayton, OH

The cost of living in Clayton 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 Clayton is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

In Clayton, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Clayton will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Clayton Affordable?

Is Clayton an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Clayton, the median home price is 21.6% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 7.4% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Clayton come in at $110,509, which is 35.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Clayton?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Clayton, the groceries index is 2.3% lower 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 Clayton, the transportation index is 6.1% lower than the national average.

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 Clayton starts at 5.75% and the income tax rates start at 2.76%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Clayton are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Clayton is 3% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Clayton is 8% lower than the national average
  • Clayton housing is 17% 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 Clayton

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Compare Clayton, 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$119,824$9,985$2,796$3,595
      Renters$60,042$5,004$1,401$1,801
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Clayton 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. Clayton has a median income of about $119,824 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,796 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $60,042. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,401 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.
      Drexel, OH2,3697921.4%
      Dayton, OH145,9278217.9%
      Trotwood, OH25,2008317.1%
      Ithaca, OH1178416.2%
      Casstown, OH2138317.0%
      Clayton, OH13,585928.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      South Glengarry, ON13,573n/a 
      Bothell East, WA13,57117574.7%
      Firestone, CO13,56913232.2%
      Mountain Park, GA13,5641098.9%
      Rogers, MN13,60712424.2%
      Clayton, OH13,585928.1%
      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.