A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
31%
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 Wilmington Ohio National
Cost of living8789100
Groceries9797100
Health care9596100
Housing6974100
Transportation9496100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9693100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Wilmington, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Wilmington 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 Wilmington cost of living index is 87, which is 13% lower than 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.

Is Wilmington Affordable?

Is Wilmington 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 Wilmington, the median home price is 35% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 20.6% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Wilmington come in at $56,095, which is 31% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Wilmington?

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 Wilmington, the groceries index is 3% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Wilmington, healthcare costs are 5.3% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Wilmington 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 Wilmington is 2% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Wilmington is 13% lower than the national average
  • Wilmington housing is 31% 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 Wilmington

See all the best places to live around Wilmington

Compare Wilmington, 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$83,623$6,969$1,951$2,509
      Renters$41,275$3,440$963$1,238
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Wilmington, OH, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Wilmington, homeowners have a median income of $83,623. Using that number, a maximum of $1,951 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $41,275, which means there is a maximum of $963 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Highland, OH2777920.6%
      Octa, OH528119.3%
      Sabina, OH2,7168217.6%
      Port William, OH3278217.5%
      Milledgeville, OH1208416.5%
      Wilmington, OH12,9368712.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      South Charleston, WV12,9358811.9%
      Big Bear City, CA12,93412626.1%
      Endicott, NY12,939946.2%
      Justice, IL12,9451022.2%
      Lakeland, TN12,92611211.8%
      Wilmington, OH12,9368712.6%
      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.