A+
17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
44%
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 Toledo Ohio National
Cost of living8389100
Groceries9997100
Health care9496100
Housing5674100
Transportation9296100
Utilities9596100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9095100
Household Items9497100
Education & Childcare9793100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Toledo, OH

The cost of living in Toledo 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 Toledo is 83, which is 17% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Toledo stands out by reporting housing costs that are 44.2% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

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

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 41 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Toledo and this is how they responded. 46% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 54% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Toledo Affordable?

Is Toledo 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 Toledo, for instance, where the median home price falls 53.9% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 21.5% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Toledo flaunting a median household income of $59,402, 27% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Toledo?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Toledo, the groceries index is 1.4% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Toledo, the healthcare costs are 6.3% lower than the national average.

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 Toledo, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 5.75%, and income tax rates kick off at 2.76%.

Where is the Data From?

The Toledo cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Toledo is 7% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Toledo is 17% lower than the national average
  • Toledo housing is 44% 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 Toledo

See all the best places to live around Toledo

Compare Toledo, OH Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$82,632$6,886$1,928$2,479
      Renters$39,792$3,316$928$1,194
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Toledo, 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 Toledo, the median monthly income is $82,632 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,928 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $39,792, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $928 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.
      Harbor View, OH159955.5%
      Williston, OH4348119.4%
      Stony Ridge, OH6178217.8%
      Walbridge, OH3,2148415.7%
      Luna Pier, MI1,1588415.6%
      Toledo, OH281,6448317.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Saskatoon, SK281,340n/a 
      Irvine, CA280,132208108.4%
      Durham, NC285,4341099.4%
      Chula Vista, CA274,61315959.2%
      Fort Wayne, IN274,1889010.5%
      Toledo, OH281,6448317.1%
      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.