A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
9%
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 Willoughby Ohio National
Cost of living9592100
Goods & Services92100100
Groceries101101100
Health care9598100
Housing9173100
Transportation98100100
Utilities10399100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Willoughby, OH

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Willoughby? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Willoughby stands at 95, making it 5% 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.

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

Is Willoughby Affordable?

Is Willoughby 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 Willoughby, the median home price is 14% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 4.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Willoughby boasting a median household income of $60,311, 9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Willoughby?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Willoughby, the utilities index registers at 2.8% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable 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 Willoughby, the housing index is 8.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Willoughby cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Willoughby is 3% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Willoughby is 5% lower than the national average
  • Willoughby housing is 9% 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 Willoughby

See all the best places to live around Willoughby

Compare Willoughby, OH Cost of Living

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      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$75,283$6,274$1,756$2,259
      Renters$41,310$3,443$964$1,239
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Willoughby 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. Willoughby has a median income of about $75,283 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,756 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $41,310. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $964 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Willoughby 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 Willoughby 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 Willoughby 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 Willoughby National avg. Difference
      Home Price $158,900.00$184,700.0014.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,788.16$2,346.6923.8%
      Apartment Rent $988.00$949.004.1%

      Transportation

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

      Utilities

      Item Willoughby 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%
      Kinsman Center, OH6608217.9%
      Highland Hills, OH7648217.8%
      Cleveland, OH383,3318317.4%
      Newburgh Heights, OH1,7988316.6%
      Willoughby, OH22,904955.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Webster Groves, MO22,90611312.7%
      Uxbridge, ON22,892n/a 
      Derry, NH22,89112120.8%
      Marshall, TX22,8818911.2%
      Dickinson, ND22,8801043.8%
      Willoughby, OH22,904955.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.