Cost of Living in Sandusky, OH
Population 24,748 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $47,827, median household incomes in Sandusky land roughly 36% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 24% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Sandusky is about 45 miles east of Toledo, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Toledo's $107,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sandusky
The median home value in Sandusky is $104,800 — 66% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $848/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,827/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.8%, 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 59.2°F and lows of 44.8°F. Overall, Sandusky has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% 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 | 37 | 45 | 57 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 81 | 75 | 63 | 50 | 39 |
| Low °F | 22 | 23 | 31 | 41 | 53 | 63 | 67 | 66 | 59 | 48 | 37 | 28 |
| Precip" | 1.90 | 1.77 | 2.56 | 3.76 | 3.25 | 3.67 | 3.55 | 3.02 | 3.07 | 2.72 | 2.64 | 2.12 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sandusky, OH?
Sandusky has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sandusky, OH?
The median gross rent in Sandusky is $848 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sandusky?
The median home value in Sandusky is $104,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sandusky?
The median household income in Sandusky is $47,827 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sandusky, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sandusky is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Sandusky, OH affordable?
Yes, Sandusky is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Sandusky?
Sandusky has average high temperatures of 59.2°F and average lows of 44.8°F. Annual precipitation is 34". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sandusky at a Glance
- Population
- 24,748
- Median Income
- $47,827
- Home Value
- $104,800
- Median Rent
- $848/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.2°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