A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
32%
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 Defiance Ohio National
Cost of living8789100
Groceries9697100
Health care9596100
Housing6874100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9596100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9193100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Defiance, OH

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Defiance is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Defiance is 87, which is 13% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Is Defiance Affordable?

Wondering if Defiance is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Defiance, for example, the median home price is 35.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 22% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Defiance boasting a median household income of $74,724, which is 8.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Defiance?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Defiance, the housing index is 31.7% lower than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Defiance, the transportation index is 2.6% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Defiance, the standard sales tax rate starts at 5.75%, and the income tax rates commence at 2.76%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Defiance 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 Defiance is 2% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Defiance is 13% lower than the national average
  • Defiance housing is 32% 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 Defiance

See all the best places to live around Defiance

Compare Defiance, 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$104,954$8,746$2,449$3,149
      Renters$38,974$3,248$909$1,169
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Defiance, OH, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Defiance, the median monthly income is $104,954 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,449 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $38,974, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $909 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Melrose, OH3717920.7%
      Cecil, OH1568019.7%
      New Bavaria, OH908218.0%
      Ney, OH2888316.9%
      Paulding, OH3,7358416.4%
      Defiance, OH17,1278712.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      New Port Richey, FL17,130928.0%
      Highland Village, TX17,13013029.7%
      Seven Oaks, SC17,121972.7%
      Republic, MO17,1359010.3%
      South Venice, FL17,1171099.3%
      Defiance, OH17,1278712.6%
      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.