A+
17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
42%
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 Garfield Heights Ohio National
Cost of living8389100
Groceries9597100
Health care9396100
Housing5874100
Transportation9296100
Utilities9996100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare8793100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Garfield Heights, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Garfield Heights 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 Garfield Heights cost of living index is 83, which is 17% 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.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Garfield Heights distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 41.7% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Garfield Heights can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Garfield Heights?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 6 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Garfield Heights and this is how they responded. 83% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 17% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Garfield Heights Affordable?

Is Garfield Heights 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 Garfield Heights is 59.2% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 0.8% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Garfield Heights has a median household income of $64,419, which is 20.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Garfield Heights?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Garfield Heights comes in at 1.1% 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 Garfield Heights, the transportation index is 8.3% lower than the national average.

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 Garfield Heights, the healthcare costs are 6.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Garfield Heights cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Garfield Heights is 6% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Garfield Heights is 17% lower than the national average
  • Garfield Heights housing is 42% 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 Garfield Heights

See all the best places to live around Garfield Heights

Compare Garfield Heights, 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$84,444$7,037$1,970$2,534
      Renters$38,504$3,209$898$1,155
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Garfield Heights, OH, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Garfield Heights, homeowners have a median income of $84,444. Using that number, a maximum of $1,970 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $38,504, which means there is a maximum of $898 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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 Cleveland, OH17,5638020.2%
      Linndale, OH3468118.5%
      Kinsman Center, OH6748218.1%
      Highland Hills, OH7828218.0%
      Cleveland, OH391,3408118.9%
      Garfield Heights, OH28,4638316.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Perry Hall, MD28,46612019.5%
      Wasco, CA28,47311010.1%
      Huntley, IL28,47411212.0%
      Tualatin, OR28,44813838.2%
      Woolwich, ON28,438n/a 
      Garfield Heights, OH28,4638316.5%
      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.