Cost of Living in Berea, OH
Population 18,330 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Berea offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $188,000 — costs less than 2.6 times median household income of $71,896, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Berea sits roughly 12 miles southwest of Cleveland. Median home values run roughly 99% higher than Cleveland's $94,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Berea
The median home value in Berea is $187,600 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $981/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,896/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 60.8°F and lows of 44.0°F, with about 63.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Berea has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 39 | 47 | 60 | 71 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 64 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 31 | 41 | 51 | 61 | 65 | 64 | 57 | 47 | 37 | 28 |
| Precip" | 2.99 | 2.49 | 3.06 | 3.75 | 3.79 | 3.83 | 3.67 | 3.56 | 3.93 | 3.60 | 3.37 | 2.99 |
| Snow" | 18.4 | 15.1 | 10.8 | 2.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 4.5 | 12.2 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Berea, OH?
Berea has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.
What is average rent in Berea, OH?
The median gross rent in Berea is $981 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Berea?
The median home value in Berea is $187,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Berea?
The median household income in Berea is $71,896 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Berea, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Berea is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Berea, OH affordable?
Yes, Berea is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Berea?
Berea has average high temperatures of 60.8°F and average lows of 44.0°F. Annual precipitation is 41". Average annual snowfall is 63.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Berea at a Glance
- Population
- 18,330
- Median Income
- $71,896
- Home Value
- $187,600
- Median Rent
- $981/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Ohio Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs