D
23%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
86%
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 Montgomery Ohio National
Cost of living12389100
Groceries9997100
Health care9896100
Housing18674100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9293100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Montgomery, OH

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Montgomery 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 Montgomery is 123, which is 23% higher 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.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Montgomery may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Montgomery falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

When it comes to the cost of living in Montgomery, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 86.3% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Montgomery Affordable?

Is Montgomery 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 Montgomery, the median home price is 112.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 25.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Montgomery boasting a median household income of $177,675, 118.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Montgomery?

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 Montgomery comes in at 7.2% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Montgomery, the groceries index is 1.5% lower than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Montgomery, the housing index comes in at 86.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Montgomery 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 Montgomery is 38% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Montgomery is 23% higher than the national average
  • Montgomery housing is 86% 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 Montgomery

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Compare Montgomery, 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$194,952$16,246$4,549$5,849
      Renters$100,018$8,335$2,334$3,001
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Montgomery, OH, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Montgomery, the median monthly income is $194,952 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $4,549 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $100,018, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,334 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Plainville, OH159973.4%
      Dillonvale village, OH6678020.2%
      Elmwood Place, OH2,1328019.8%
      Arlington Heights, OH8558218.1%
      Lincoln Heights, OH3,4788217.9%
      Montgomery, OH11,04512323.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Timonium, MD11,05113433.6%
      Highland Park, MI11,0568020.3%
      Comstock Park, MI11,032954.8%
      East Liverpool, OH11,0327921.0%
      Taylorville, IL11,0598613.9%
      Montgomery, OH11,04512323.1%
      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.