A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
18%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Berea Ohio National
Cost of living9292100
Goods & Services92100100
Groceries101101100
Health care9598100
Housing8273100
Transportation98100100
Utilities10399100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Berea, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Berea 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 Berea cost of living index is 92, which is 8% 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in Berea are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Berea can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Berea Affordable?

Is Berea affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Berea, the median home price is 21.4% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 11.2% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Berea boasting a median household income of $60,292, 9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Berea?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Berea, the utilities index stands at 2.8% higher than the national average.

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 Berea, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 5.75%, and income tax rates start at 0%.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Berea, the housing index is 18.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Berea, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Berea is equal to the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Berea is 8% lower than the national average
  • Berea housing is 18% 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 Berea

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Compare Berea, OH Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$71,976$5,998$1,679$2,159
      Renters$37,102$3,092$866$1,113
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Berea, OH, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Berea homeowners, is $71,976. This would allow for a maximum of $1,679 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $37,102 which would result in a maximum of $866 to be spent on rental costs.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Berea National avg. Difference
      Haircut $23.67$24.262.5%
      Beauty Salon $35.31$45.5622.5%
      Toothpaste $3.68$3.700.5%
      Shampoo $1.45$1.2813.0%
      Movie $11.60$12.134.4%
      Bowling $18.27$18.001.5%

      Groceries

      Item Berea National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.46$5.846.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.39$1.5711.4%
      Milk $4.57$4.672.3%
      Potatoes $5.38$4.939.1%
      Pizza $9.98$12.0917.4%
      Beer $10.51$10.411.0%

      Health Care

      Item Berea National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $103.58$125.6817.6%
      Doctor $119.67$135.7811.9%
      Dentist $109.73$113.293.1%
      Ibuprofen $10.73$10.650.7%
      Lipitor $503.65$468.607.5%

      Housing

      Item Berea National avg. Difference
      Home Price $145,100.00$184,700.0021.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,788.16$2,346.6923.8%
      Apartment Rent $843.00$949.0011.2%

      Transportation

      Item Berea National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.41$3.461.4%
      Tire Balancing $57.76$59.923.6%

      Utilities

      Item Berea National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $205.88$193.996.1%
      Phone $186.78$192.252.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Cleveland, OH17,0478020.0%
      Linndale, OH3348217.9%
      Kinsman Center, OH6608217.9%
      Cleveland, OH383,3318317.4%
      Eaton Estates, OH1,2098317.0%
      Berea, OH18,713928.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      North Valley Stream, NY18,71215150.6%
      Country Walk, FL18,71013433.9%
      Ansonia, CT18,70911212.0%
      Woodcrest, CA18,71915251.7%
      Point Pleasant, NJ18,68613535.5%
      Berea, OH18,713928.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.