B
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
43%
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 Hilliard Ohio National
Cost of living11089100
Groceries9897100
Health care9796100
Housing14374100
Transportation9496100
Utilities9796100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9295100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9493100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hilliard, OH

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Hilliard? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Hilliard stands at 110, making it 10% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

In Hilliard, 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 Hilliard will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Hilliard, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 43.2% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Hilliard?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 6 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Hilliard. The results indicated that 83% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 17% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Hilliard Affordable?

Is Hilliard 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 Hilliard is 49.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 27.6% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Hilliard has a median household income of $151,658, which is 86.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hilliard?

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Hilliard, is 43.2% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Hilliard, the groceries index is 1.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Hilliard 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 Hilliard is 23% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Hilliard is 10% higher than the national average
  • Hilliard housing is 43% higher 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 Hilliard

See all the best places to live around Hilliard

Compare Hilliard, OH Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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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$181,104$15,092$4,225$5,434
      Renters$87,482$7,290$2,041$2,625
      The affordability of the housing market in Hilliard, OH as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Hilliard homeowners, the median income is $181,104. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,225 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $87,482. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,041 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Urbancrest, OH1,1888614.0%
      Whitehall, OH19,4298713.0%
      Lincoln Village, OH9,7928910.8%
      Blacklick Estates, OH10,313919.4%
      Valleyview, OH697918.6%
      Hilliard, OH38,1111109.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Addison, IL38,05011010.3%
      Greenfield, WI38,049990.9%
      Winter Springs, FL38,04011616.1%
      Lake Worth, FL38,0261000.2%
      Lima, OH38,0268218.4%
      Hilliard, OH38,1111109.9%
      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.