B
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
49%
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 Worthington Ohio National
Cost of living11289100
Groceries9697100
Health care9796100
Housing14974100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9496100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9597100
Education & Childcare9293100
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 Worthington, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Worthington 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 Worthington cost of living index is 112, which is 12% higher 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.

When it comes to the cost of living in Worthington, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 49% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Worthington Affordable?

Wondering if Worthington is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Worthington, for example, the median home price is 68% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 4.5% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Worthington boasting a median household income of $159,576, which is 96.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Worthington?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Worthington, the housing index is 49% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Worthington, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 5.75%, and income tax rates start at 2.76%.

Where is the Data From?

The Worthington cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Worthington is 25% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Worthington is 12% higher than the national average
  • Worthington housing is 49% 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 Worthington

See all the best places to live around Worthington

Compare Worthington, OH Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Worthington?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Worthington?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Worthington 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$186,419$15,535$4,349$5,593
      Renters$65,537$5,461$1,529$1,966
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Worthington, 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 Worthington have a median income of $186,419. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $4,349 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $65,537, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,529.

      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.
      Urbancrest, OH1,1888614.0%
      Whitehall, OH19,4298713.0%
      Lincoln Village, OH9,7928910.8%
      Blacklick Estates, OH10,313919.4%
      Valleyview, OH697918.6%
      Worthington, OH15,30911211.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      North New Hyde Park, NY15,31617170.5%
      Eggertsville, NY15,2991044.4%
      Sun Lakes, AZ15,31912222.1%
      Glen Allen, VA15,32011211.5%
      Kerman, CA15,29212120.6%
      Worthington, OH15,30911211.6%
      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.