Is Toledo expensive to live in?

Toledo is considered very affordable, with a cost index of 83 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 17% less than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,060, and the median household income is $47,532.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Toledo?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $42,400/year to afford median rent in Toledo. The median household income is $47,532, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 27%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Toledo?

The median rent in Toledo is $1,060 per month. Housing costs score 57 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 43% cheaper than the US average.

How does Toledo compare to the national average cost of living?

Toledo's overall cost index is 83 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (57), food & groceries (81), transportation (79), utilities (76), and healthcare (85). Toledo is below average in most categories, making it a strong value destination.

Is Toledo, Ohio a good place to live?

Toledo has a population of 265,304 and a median household income of $47,532. With a cost index of 83, it offers strong affordability relative to the national average. The rent-to-income ratio is 27%, which is within healthy financial guidelines.

What are the cheapest cities near Toledo?

To find the most affordable cities near Toledo in Ohio, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Ohio state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Toledo

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 83

Median rent: $1,060

Median income: $47,532

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About Toledo

Living in Toledo, Ohio

Toledo, Ohio is a mid-size city with a population of approximately 265,304. The overall cost of living index sits at 83, which is below the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 17% less expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Toledo. Median rent is $1,060 per month, while the median home price is $126,270. At a median household income of $47,532, rent consumes roughly 27% of gross income, which remains manageable relative to local incomes. The housing sub-index of 57 reflects well below-average housing expenses.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Toledo with a sub-index of 85, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 76. State and local taxes also shape the true cost of living: Ohio applies a 350.0% income tax rate, and property tax averages 136.00% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 724.00%.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Toledo has remained relatively stable. Among the 6 tracked cities in Ohio, Toledo ranks #1 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Toledo actually costs.

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