A+
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
52%
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 Lima Ohio National
Cost of living8289100
Groceries9797100
Health care9796100
Housing4874100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9896100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9495100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9193100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lima, OH

The cost of living in Lima affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Lima is 82, which is 18% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Lima housing costs are 51.7% less than the national average, making this area an affordable place to live. Your net income can be heavily impacted by housing expenses, at times exceeding 30%. Fortunately, this area demonstrates that both homeownership and renting costs are significantly more budget-friendly than in the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, Lima residents can earmark a more manageable portion of their income to housing.

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

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 20 residents in Lima to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 30% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 70% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Lima Affordable?

Is Lima affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Lima, the median home price is 61.7% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 28.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Lima boasting a median household income of $52,013, 36% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lima?

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.

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 Lima, the utilities index registers 2.4% 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 Lima, the healthcare costs are 3.2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Lima 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 Lima is 9% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Lima is 18% lower than the national average
  • Lima housing is 52% 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 Lima

See all the best places to live around Lima

Compare Lima, OH Cost of Living

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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$69,378$5,782$1,619$2,082
      Renters$40,668$3,389$949$1,220
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Lima, OH, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Lima have a median income of $69,378. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,619 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $40,668, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $949.

      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.
      Alger, OH9067921.4%
      St. Johns, OH1837921.3%
      Uniopolis, OH3248020.3%
      Vaughnsville, OH2798316.7%
      Cairo, OH7038416.4%
      Lima, OH38,0268218.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake Worth, FL38,0261000.2%
      Waxahachie, TX38,0211032.6%
      Winter Springs, FL38,04011616.1%
      Greenfield, WI38,049990.9%
      Addison, IL38,05011010.3%
      Lima, OH38,0268218.4%
      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.