A+
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
6%
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 Stow Ohio National
Cost of living10089100
Groceries9897100
Health care9896100
Housing10674100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9496100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9795100
Household Items10097100
Education & Childcare9393100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Stow, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Stow 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 Stow cost of living index is 100, which is 0% equal to 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.

The cost of living in Stow closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Stow can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Stow Affordable?

Is Stow an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Stow, the median home price is 6.1% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 6.6% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Stow come in at $115,212, which is 41.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Stow?

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.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

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 Stow, the housing index comes in at 6.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Stow 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 Stow is 12% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Stow is equal to the national average
  • Stow housing is 6% 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 Stow

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Compare Stow, 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$134,739$11,228$3,144$4,043
      Renters$78,458$6,538$1,831$2,354
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Stow, 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 Stow homeowners, is $134,739. This would allow for a maximum of $3,144 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $78,458 which would result in a maximum of $1,831 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.
      Sawyerwood, OH1,6457921.4%
      Limaville, OH2188416.2%
      Akron, OH203,0428317.0%
      Barberton, OH26,8448316.7%
      Ravenna, OH11,6858613.8%
      Stow, OH35,9091000.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Merrillville, IN35,881946.5%
      Riviera Beach, FL35,9721109.9%
      Pleasant Hill, CA35,99519191.2%
      Owings Mills, MD35,99512020.0%
      West Kelowna, BC36,030n/a 
      Stow, OH35,9091000.5%
      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.