A
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
0%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
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 University Heights Ohio National
Cost of living9792100
Goods & Services92100100
Groceries101101100
Health care9598100
Housing10073100
Transportation98100100
Utilities10399100

An Overview of Cost of Living in University Heights, OH

Knowing the cost of living in University Heights allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in University Heights stands at 97, marking it 3% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in University Heights closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of University Heights can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is University Heights Affordable?

Is University Heights an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in University Heights is 7.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 16.3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. University Heights has a median household income of $80,817, which is 46.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in University Heights?

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

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In University Heights, the groceries index is 1.1% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, 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. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in University Heights, 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.

New Real Estate Listings in University Heights Area
Search Homes for Sale in University Heights, OH

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in University Heights is 6% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in University Heights is 3% lower than the national average
  • University Heights housing is equal to 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 University Heights

See all the best places to live around University Heights

Compare University Heights, OH Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in University Heights?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in University Heights?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all University Heights poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      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$108,165$9,014$2,524$3,245
      Renters$56,597$4,716$1,321$1,698
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in University Heights, 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 University Heights, homeowners have a median income of $108,165. Using that number, a maximum of $2,524 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $56,597, which means there is a maximum of $1,321 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item University Heights 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 University Heights 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 University Heights 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 University Heights National avg. Difference
      Home Price $171,300.00$184,700.007.3%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,788.16$2,346.6923.8%
      Apartment Rent $1,104.00$949.0016.3%

      Transportation

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

      Utilities

      Item University Heights 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%
      Bainbridge village, OH7298217.8%
      Highland Hills, OH7648217.8%
      University Heights, OH12,908972.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Finneytown, OH12,913955.1%
      West Carrollton, OH12,9019010.1%
      Elfers, FL12,9158811.7%
      North Adams, MA12,897963.7%
      Marshall, MO12,9208515.0%
      University Heights, OH12,908972.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.