Cost of Living in Bowling Green, OH
Population 30,051 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bowling Green's median household income of $46,719 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (30% here).
Located 20 miles south of Toledo, Bowling Green falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 103% higher than Toledo's $107,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bowling Green
The median home value in Bowling Green is $217,300 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $874/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,719/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, 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 60.2°F and lows of 42.6°F. Overall, Bowling Green has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% 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 | 34 | 36 | 47 | 60 | 71 | 81 | 85 | 82 | 76 | 64 | 50 | 38 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 29 | 40 | 51 | 61 | 65 | 63 | 55 | 45 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 1.79 | 1.75 | 2.31 | 3.26 | 3.50 | 3.24 | 3.24 | 3.49 | 3.06 | 2.36 | 2.27 | 2.09 |
💨 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 Bowling Green, OH?
Bowling Green has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bowling Green, OH?
The median gross rent in Bowling Green is $874 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bowling Green?
The median home value in Bowling Green is $217,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bowling Green?
The median household income in Bowling Green is $46,719 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bowling Green, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bowling Green is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Bowling Green, OH affordable?
Yes, Bowling Green is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green has average high temperatures of 60.2°F and average lows of 42.6°F. Annual precipitation is 32.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bowling Green at a Glance
- Population
- 30,051
- Median Income
- $46,719
- Home Value
- $217,300
- Median Rent
- $874/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Ohio Rankings
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