A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
32%
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 Northbrook Ohio National
Cost of living8889100
Groceries9797100
Health care9696100
Housing6874100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9896100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9795100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9293100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Northbrook, OH

The cost of living in Northbrook 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 Northbrook is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Is Northbrook Affordable?

Is Northbrook 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 Northbrook, for instance, where the median home price falls 52% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 13.2% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Northbrook flaunting a median household income of $73,871, 9.2% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Northbrook?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Northbrook, the housing index is 32.4% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Northbrook, the general sales tax rate starts at 5.75%, and income tax rates begin at 2.76%.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Northbrook, the transportation index is 4.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Northbrook are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Northbrook is 2% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Northbrook is 12% lower than the national average
  • Northbrook housing is 32% 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 Northbrook

See all the best places to live around Northbrook

Compare Northbrook, 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$85,745$7,145$2,001$2,573
      Renters$57,495$4,791$1,341$1,725
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Northbrook, 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 Northbrook have a median income of $85,745. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,001 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $57,495, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,341.

      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.
      Shawnee, OH1,081954.8%
      Plainville, OH159973.4%
      Elizabethtown, OH2957524.9%
      Hooven, OH3367722.7%
      Shawnee village, OH5637821.8%
      Northbrook, OH11,1458812.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Tarboro, NC11,145909.8%
      Union Park, FL11,1461088.1%
      Brock Hall, MD11,15315353.4%
      Waggaman, LA11,136918.7%
      Sturgis, MI11,1588415.8%
      Northbrook, OH11,1458812.5%
      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.