Cost of Living in University Heights, OH

Population 13,508 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023

88
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

University Heights offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $225,000 — costs less than 2.3 times median household income of $98,474, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.

University Heights sits roughly 8 miles east of Cleveland — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 139% higher than Cleveland's $94,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 74
Rent 110

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in University Heights

The median home value in University Heights is $224,900 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,445/month, 10% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $98,474/year is 32% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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 58.9°F and lows of 45.8°F. Overall, University Heights has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$224,900
26% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$271,875
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,445/mo
10% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,665/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.0x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$686
1 BR
$748
2 BR
$929
3 BR
$1,199
4 BR
$1,374
Owner-occupied 66.4%
Renter-occupied 33.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,445
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,059/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.7 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
60.5%
Carpooled
5.0%
Public transit
2.5%
Walked
8.2%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
22.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 3.8%
Total Sales Tax 7.2%
State rate 5.8%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$98,474
32% above avg
Per Capita Income
$42,820
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
16% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
Labor Force Participation
69.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.4%
Graduate degree 35.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 30.7
Male median age 30.1
Female median age 31

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
58.9°F
Avg Low
45.8°F
Annual Precip
33.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353745576877818074635140
Low °F 242531415363686760493830
Precip" 1.761.532.353.103.512.843.663.452.943.242.922.04

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 57 — Moderate
32.1%
Good air days/yr
234
Max AQI recorded
276
PM2.5 days
83
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

85%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
10
Public schools
5,169
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in University Heights, OH?

University Heights has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.

What is average rent in University Heights, OH?

The median gross rent in University Heights is $1,445 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in University Heights?

The median home value in University Heights is $224,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in University Heights?

The median household income in University Heights is $98,474 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in University Heights, OH?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in University Heights is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.

Is University Heights, OH affordable?

Yes, University Heights is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in University Heights?

University Heights has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 45.8°F. Annual precipitation is 33.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

University Heights at a Glance

Population
13,508
Median Income
$98,474
Home Value
$224,900
Median Rent
$1,445/mo
Unemployment
5.6%
Avg High Temp
58.9°F
Sales Tax
7.2%
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