Cost of Living in Lima, OH
Population 35,304 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lima's median household income of $43,370 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 (25% here). At 8.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Lima is about 60 miles east of Fort Wayne, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Fort Wayne's $170,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lima
The median home value in Lima is $95,900 — 69% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $865/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,370/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, 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 60.6°F and lows of 42.2°F. Overall, Lima has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% 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 | 38 | 48 | 61 | 72 | 81 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 64 | 50 | 39 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 30 | 40 | 51 | 61 | 63 | 61 | 54 | 44 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.23 | 1.85 | 2.55 | 3.58 | 3.81 | 3.95 | 3.68 | 3.50 | 2.85 | 2.69 | 2.81 | 2.27 |
💨 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 Lima, OH?
Lima has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lima, OH?
The median gross rent in Lima is $865 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lima?
The median home value in Lima is $95,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lima?
The median household income in Lima is $43,370 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lima, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lima is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Lima, OH affordable?
Yes, Lima is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lima?
Lima has average high temperatures of 60.6°F and average lows of 42.2°F. Annual precipitation is 35.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lima at a Glance
- Population
- 35,304
- Median Income
- $43,370
- Home Value
- $95,900
- Median Rent
- $865/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Ohio Rankings
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