Cost of Living in Portsmouth, OH
Population 17,919 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $35,319, median household incomes in Portsmouth land roughly 53% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 85 miles south of Columbus, Portsmouth is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 59% lower than Columbus' $235,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Portsmouth
The median home value in Portsmouth is $95,000 — 69% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $758/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,319/year is 53% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.4%, 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 66.6°F and lows of 46.3°F, with about 19.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Portsmouth has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% 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 | 43 | 47 | 57 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 86 | 86 | 80 | 69 | 57 | 47 |
| Low °F | 26 | 29 | 36 | 46 | 54 | 62 | 66 | 65 | 58 | 46 | 37 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.10 | 3.37 | 4.16 | 3.91 | 4.51 | 4.20 | 5.08 | 3.95 | 3.16 | 3.02 | 3.07 | 3.57 |
| Snow" | 6.0 | 5.8 | 4.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 2.7 |
💨 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 Portsmouth, OH?
Portsmouth has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.
What is average rent in Portsmouth, OH?
The median gross rent in Portsmouth is $758 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Portsmouth?
The median home value in Portsmouth is $95,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Portsmouth?
The median household income in Portsmouth is $35,319 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Portsmouth, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portsmouth is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Portsmouth, OH affordable?
Yes, Portsmouth is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has average high temperatures of 66.6°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 45.1". Average annual snowfall is 19.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Portsmouth at a Glance
- Population
- 17,919
- Median Income
- $35,319
- Home Value
- $95,000
- Median Rent
- $758/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
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Ohio Rankings
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