A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
27%
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 Parma Ohio National
Cost of living8889100
Groceries9597100
Health care9496100
Housing7374100
Transportation9596100
Utilities9796100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9093100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Parma, OH

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Parma 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 Parma is 88, which is 12% 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.

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

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 9 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Parma. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 33% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 67% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Parma Affordable?

Is Parma 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 Parma, for instance, where the median home price falls 35.4% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 7% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Parma flaunting a median household income of $87,450, 7.5% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Parma?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Parma, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 5.75%, and income tax rates kick off at 2.76%.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Parma, the groceries index is 4.9% lower than the national average.

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 Parma, the transportation index is 5.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Parma 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 Parma is 1% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Parma is 12% lower than the national average
  • Parma housing is 27% 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 Parma

See all the best places to live around Parma

Compare Parma, OH Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Parma?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Parma?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Parma poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$98,399$8,200$2,296$2,952
      Renters$62,392$5,199$1,456$1,872
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Parma, 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 Parma have a median income of $98,399. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,296 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $62,392, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,456.

      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.
      East Cleveland, OH17,5638020.2%
      Linndale, OH3468118.5%
      Kinsman Center, OH6748218.1%
      Highland Hills, OH7828218.0%
      Cleveland, OH391,3408118.9%
      Parma, OH80,6028811.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Perris, CA80,56613131.2%
      Boynton Beach, FL80,66711312.8%
      Napa, CA80,93217372.7%
      Pharr, TX80,9988515.4%
      Scranton, PA79,8879010.3%
      Parma, OH80,6028811.6%
      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.