A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
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 Fairborn Ohio National
Cost of living8989100
Groceries9697100
Health care9696100
Housing7474100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9696100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9597100
Education & Childcare9493100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fairborn, OH

Knowing the cost of living in Fairborn 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 Fairborn stands at 89, marking it 11% lower than the national average.

Is Fairborn Affordable?

Is Fairborn 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 Fairborn, the median home price is 32.5% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 10% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Fairborn come in at $71,860, which is 11.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fairborn?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Fairborn, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 5.75%, and income tax rates start at 2.76%.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Fairborn, healthcare costs are 3.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Fairborn 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 Fairborn is equal to the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Fairborn is 11% lower than the national average
  • Fairborn housing is 26% 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 Fairborn

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Compare Fairborn, 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$111,989$9,332$2,613$3,360
      Renters$51,469$4,289$1,201$1,544
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Fairborn 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. Fairborn has a median income of about $111,989 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,613 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $51,469. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,201 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.
      Centerville village, OH707821.7%
      Drexel, OH2,3697921.4%
      Highland Holiday, OH7047921.1%
      Dayton, OH145,9278217.9%
      Springfield, OH60,3128416.1%
      Fairborn, OH34,6208910.8%

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      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Golden Glades, FL34,63511313.4%
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      University Place, WA34,66313231.8%
      Randolph, MA34,56012323.3%
      Alabaster, AL34,559981.9%
      Fairborn, OH34,6208910.8%
      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.