A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
35%
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 Elyria Ohio National
Cost of living8689100
Groceries9797100
Health care9896100
Housing6574100
Transportation9396100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9495100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9293100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Elyria, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Elyria can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Elyria cost of living index is 86, which is 14% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Is Elyria Affordable?

Is Elyria 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 Elyria is 40.1% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 22.6% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Elyria has a median household income of $66,469, which is 18.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Elyria?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Elyria, the utilities index registers 7.1% lower than the national average.

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 Elyria, healthcare costs are 2.2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Elyria 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 Elyria is 4% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Elyria is 14% lower than the national average
  • Elyria housing is 35% 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 Elyria

See all the best places to live around Elyria

Compare Elyria, 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$84,353$7,029$1,968$2,531
      Renters$39,570$3,298$923$1,187
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Elyria, 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 Elyria, the median monthly income is $84,353 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,968 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $39,570, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $923 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.
      Eaton Estates, OH1,2348317.1%
      Lorain, OH66,1738415.7%
      Kipton, OH2008415.6%
      Wellington, OH4,5638514.8%
      Sheffield Lake, OH9,3548713.0%
      Elyria, OH55,8028614.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Normal, IL55,834973.1%
      Apple Valley, MN55,84211313.3%
      Rosemead, CA55,74316362.6%
      Aloha, OR55,86512626.4%
      Brookhaven, GA55,87414443.6%
      Elyria, OH55,8028614.1%
      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.