Moving to Ohio? 2023 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Ohio is a midwestern state in the U.S. and is the seventh most populated state in the United States. Known for its fertile soil, as well as natural gas and coal mining, the state is full of museums and natural beauty, such as the Hocking Hills State Park, set upon 25 miles of waterfalls, hiking trails and caves.

If you are considering moving to Ohio, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Ohio Facts:

Population: 11.78 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $59,700 (2019)
Random Fact: Ohio is known as the birthplace of aviation. This is because the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, are named in the inventing, building and flying of the world’s first successful airplane.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Ohio

From State	Approx. Moving Cost
California	$2200
Florida	$2000
New York	$1800
Texas	$2100
Illinois	$1700
Georgia	$1600
North Carolina	$1500
Michigan	$1400
New Jersey	$1900
Pennsylvania	$1300

This table lists the state of origin along with the estimated moving cost in US dollars to Ohio. These costs are approximate and can vary based on several factors, including the specific locations within the states, the volume of goods being moved, and the timing of the move.

Also see the Best International Moving Companies in Ohio.

2. Ohio Housing Costs

In Ohio, housing prices vary significantly between cities and within them. In larger cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, housing in upscale neighbourhoods such as Dublin in Columbus or Hyde Park in Cincinnati can exceed $300,000, while downtown areas or less affluent neighbourhoods often have houses listed below $200,000.

Monthly Rental Prices in Ohio:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,140+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,100+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $3,000+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,800+

Ohio Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $8,600+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $3,300+

Ohio Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Ohio compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 40.2% more expensive
New York is 58.4% more expensive
Los Angeles is 41.7% more expensive
Toronto is 15.8% more expensive
Sydney is 29.9% more expensive
Paris is 0.8% cheaper
Dubai is 16.5% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Real estate in Ohio is characterised by its diversity. In metropolitan areas such as Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus, neighbourhoods like Shaker Heights in Cleveland, Indian Hill in Cincinnati, or Upper Arlington in Columbus feature more luxurious homes often priced above $300,000. Conversely, in downtown regions or less affluent neighbourhoods, including parts of downtown Cincinnati or the Near East neighbourhood in Columbus, prices can be considerably lower, often below $200,000.

3. Ohio Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Ohio’s food scene is a blend of traditional Midwestern fare and innovative culinary trends, with farm-to-table dining gaining popularity in its major cities. The state is known for its specific regional dishes like Cincinnati-style chilli served over spaghetti, pierogies in Cleveland, and the Buckeye candy (peanut butter fudge dipped in chocolate), named after the state tree.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $15.00
Takeout Coffee: $4.75
Bottle of Coke: $2.10
1L of Milk: $0.80
Loaf of Bread: $3.00
12 Eggs: $3.50
1kg Chicken: $12.10
1kg Beef: $17.25
1kg Apples: $4.50
1kg White Rice: $2.80

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 29.1% more expensive and groceries are 15.1% cheaper than Ohio.
New York restaurants are 32.2% more expensive and groceries are 31.4% more expensive than Ohio.
Los Angeles restaurants are 29.2% more expensive and groceries are 14.2% more expensive than Ohio.
Toronto restaurants are 9% more expensive and groceries are 0.4% more expensive than Ohio.
Sydney restaurants are 13% more expensive and groceries are 11.2% more expensive than Ohio.
Paris restaurants are 4.8% more expensive and groceries are 9.8% more expensive than Ohio.
Dubai restaurants are 3.1% more expensive and groceries are 39% cheaper than Ohio.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Ohio hosts a variety of farmers’ markets, including the North Market in Columbus and Findlay Market in Cincinnati, where fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal goods are abundant. For grocery shopping, the state offers a wide range, from budget-friendly chains such as Aldi and Save-A-Lot to more upscale supermarkets like Whole Foods and The Fresh Market.
Find Cheap Eats: Ohio has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Ohio Alcohol Costs

Ohio, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $7.25
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $3.00
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.35
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $12.00

How To Drink For Less in Ohio:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Mr. Bartender.

5. Ohio Transportation Fares

Public transportation in Ohio varies by city, with larger urban areas like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus offering bus systems, light rail (Cleveland), and a streetcar line (Cincinnati). However, public transit is less extensive in smaller cities and rural areas, making personal vehicles the most common form of transportation throughout the state.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $2.50
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $62.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Ohio

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

In Ohio, the average annual temperature is about 10.5°C (50.9°F), with January typically being the coldest month when temperatures can drop to an average of -2.8°C (27°F). July is usually the hottest month with an average high of 29°C (85°F), while the wettest month tends to be June, though precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $60.00
Summer Dress: $45.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $85.00
Business Shoes: $100.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $50.00
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $4.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $3.50
Gym Membership: $45.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Ohio

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Ohio. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Ohio from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Ohio:

Volkswagen Golf: $26,500+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.96

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Ohio:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

8. Taxes in Ohio

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The state sales tax in Ohio is 5.75%. However, local jurisdictions can impose additional sales taxes, which can result in total sales tax rates ranging from 6.5% to 8%, depending on the county.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Ohio at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Ohio you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

9. Flight Costs from Ohio

If you do make the move to Ohio, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $510
New York: $100
Los Angeles: $110
Toronto: $235
Vancouver: $175
Dubai: $840
Sydney: $1,100
Melbourne: $1,220
Cape Town: $1,100
Hong Kong: $1,000

Other Tips on Moving to Ohio:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Ohio but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Ohio Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Ohio.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Ohio always has something going on. Have a look at Ohio.org.

12. Moving to Ohio with a Family

Ohio offers numerous family-friendly amenities, such as good schools, a variety of outdoor recreational activities, and cultural attractions like museums and zoos. Some areas have crime rates that are higher than the national average, while others, particularly suburban and rural areas, often have crime rates that are lower.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Ohio Health.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Powell, located in Delaware County near Columbus, is often cited as one of the most family-friendly places to live in Ohio. It’s known for its excellent schools, low crime rates, and an array of family-friendly amenities, including parks, nature reserves, and recreational activities.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Ohio. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Ohio for Work

While it is possible to move to Ohio without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Ohio’s economy is diverse, with major industries including manufacturing (notably automobiles and aircraft parts), healthcare, agriculture, and financial services. The current unemployment rate is 5.4%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Ohio, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Ohio.gov and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Ohio from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Ohio, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: The states of Victoria and Tasmania combined are equivalent to the size of Ohio.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Ohio that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Ohio from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Ohio. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Saskatchewan is similar in size to Ohio.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Ohio from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Ohio. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: The entirety of the UK is similar in size to Ohio.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Ohio, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Ohio you can start by comparing moving quotes here.