A+
17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
48%
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 Marion Ohio National
Cost of living8389100
Groceries9797100
Health care9796100
Housing5274100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9496100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9393100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Marion, OH

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Marion is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Marion is 83, which is 17% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Marion stands out by reporting housing costs that are 47.8% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

Is Marion Affordable?

Is Marion affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Marion, for instance, where the median home price falls 57.9% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 24.2% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Marion flaunting a median household income of $59,805, 26.5% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Marion?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Marion, the groceries index registers 3.4% lower than the national average.

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 Marion, healthcare costs are 2.6% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Marion 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 Marion is 7% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Marion is 17% lower than the national average
  • Marion housing is 48% 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 Marion

See all the best places to live around Marion

Compare Marion, 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$80,122$6,677$1,869$2,404
      Renters$42,094$3,508$982$1,263
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Marion, 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 Marion have a median income of $80,122. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,869 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $42,094, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $982.

      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.
      Radnor, OH137964.2%
      Marseilles, OH857921.4%
      La Rue, OH5998119.1%
      New Bloomington, OH3588217.7%
      North Robinson, OH4248317.3%
      Marion, OH36,9208317.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mount Juliet, TN36,91511515.4%
      Calumet City, IL36,968928.5%
      Foothill Farms, CA36,97712424.1%
      Randallstown, MD36,84111515.4%
      Oildale, CA36,7921088.0%
      Marion, OH36,9208317.1%
      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.