A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
11%
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 Monroe Ohio National
Cost of living10189100
Groceries9797100
Health care9796100
Housing11174100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items10097100
Education & Childcare9893100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Monroe, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Monroe 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 Monroe cost of living index is 101, which is 1% higher 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Monroe are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Monroe can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Monroe Affordable?

Is Monroe 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 Monroe, the median home price is 8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 19% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Monroe boasting a median household income of $136,589, 67.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Monroe?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Monroe, the utilities index registers at 6.7% lower than the national average.

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.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Monroe cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Monroe is 14% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Monroe is 1% higher than the national average
  • Monroe housing is 11% 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 Monroe

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Compare Monroe, 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$153,239$12,770$3,575$4,598
      Renters$93,913$7,826$2,191$2,818
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Monroe, OH, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Monroe homeowners, is $153,239. This would allow for a maximum of $3,575 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $93,913 which would result in a maximum of $2,191 to be spent on rental 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.
      Centerville village, OH707821.7%
      Lincoln Heights, OH3,4788217.9%
      West Elkton, OH1208316.6%
      Somerville, OH3168515.4%
      New Miami, OH2,6288514.9%
      Monroe, OH14,3681011.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fruita, CO14,36611515.2%
      Cahokia, IL14,3668119.2%
      Sauk Rapids, MN14,365991.3%
      Chesterton, IN14,371991.0%
      Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC14,372n/a 
      Monroe, OH14,3681011.4%
      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.