Cost of Living in Defiance, OH
Population 16,830 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Defiance sits on the smaller end of the Ohio city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Located 45 miles east of Fort Wayne, Defiance falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Fort Wayne's $170,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Defiance
The median home value in Defiance is $134,600 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $841/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,118/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 59.5°F and lows of 40.5°F. Overall, Defiance has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% 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 | 32 | 36 | 47 | 60 | 71 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 63 | 49 | 37 |
| Low °F | 18 | 20 | 28 | 39 | 49 | 59 | 62 | 60 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 24 |
| Precip" | 1.94 | 1.65 | 2.26 | 3.48 | 3.89 | 3.38 | 3.63 | 3.37 | 2.67 | 2.32 | 2.48 | 1.88 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Defiance, OH?
Defiance has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Defiance, OH?
The median gross rent in Defiance is $841 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Defiance?
The median home value in Defiance is $134,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Defiance?
The median household income in Defiance is $63,118 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Defiance, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Defiance is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Defiance, OH affordable?
Yes, Defiance is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Defiance?
Defiance has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 40.5°F. Annual precipitation is 33". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Defiance at a Glance
- Population
- 16,830
- Median Income
- $63,118
- Home Value
- $134,600
- Median Rent
- $841/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Ohio Rankings
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