A+
22%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
61%
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 Youngstown Ohio National
Cost of living7889100
Groceries9797100
Health care9596100
Housing3974100
Transportation9496100
Utilities9596100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9795100
Household Items9497100
Education & Childcare8693100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Youngstown, OH

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Youngstown? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Youngstown stands at 78, making it 22% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Based on the most recent cost of living report, Youngstown is one of the most affordable places to live in the country. Only a small number of cities have a cost of living index that is at least 20% lower than the national average, and Youngstown is one of those cities. This signifies that this area is very affordable when compared to other cities.

Youngstown housing costs are 61% less than the national average, making this area an affordable place to live. Your net income can be heavily impacted by housing expenses, at times exceeding 30%. Fortunately, this area demonstrates that both homeownership and renting costs are significantly more budget-friendly than in the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, Youngstown residents can earmark a more manageable portion of their income to housing.

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

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 21 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Youngstown. The results indicated that 38% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 62% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Youngstown Affordable?

Wondering if Youngstown 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 Youngstown, for example, the median home price is 73.5% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 32% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Youngstown boasting a median household income of $44,552, which is 45.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Youngstown?

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

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 Youngstown, the housing index is 61% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Youngstown cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Youngstown is 13% lower than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Youngstown is 22% lower than the national average
  • Youngstown housing is 61% 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 Youngstown

See all the best places to live around Youngstown

Compare Youngstown, OH Cost of Living

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      Cost of living 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$60,955$5,080$1,422$1,829
      Renters$30,268$2,522$706$908
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Youngstown is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Youngstown has a median income of about $60,955 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,422 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $30,268. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $706 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      West Hill, OH2,0727723.3%
      Wheatland, PA5657822.5%
      Farrell, PA4,8117821.6%
      Maplewood Park, OH2957921.4%
      Sharon, PA13,3887921.3%
      Youngstown, OH65,7397822.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Pflugerville, TX65,73311111.5%
      San Marcos, TX65,7111000.0%
      The Hammocks, FL65,64112928.6%
      Bellevue, NE65,626973.0%
      Cheyenne, WY65,5541055.3%
      Youngstown, OH65,7397822.4%
      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.