Planning your move to the Buckeye State? You’re not alone! More than 252K people are moving to Ohio annually, pushing the state’s population to over 11.76 million in 2024.
Companies are also moving to OH. The Buckeye State witnessed 13% growth in new businesses, indicating a strong economy and a robust job market. Ohio’s cost of living is $3,150/mo, and a low state income tax of up to 3.75% appeals to potential movers, too.
3 Reasons to Move to Ohio
Ohio is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to OH:
| # | Reasons to Move to OH | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Ohio is 7% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | Ohio is projected to add 3250 jobs annually through 2030 in sectors such as healthcare, technology, etc. |
| 3. | Education | The Buckeye State serves over 1.8 million students across 615 school districts. |
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Ohio is 7% below the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of basic expenses in top metros in Ohio:
| Metro | Home Price | Home Renting/mo | Public Transport/mo | Utilities/mo | Food/mo |
| Columbus | $291,000 | $1,110 | $120 | $220.22 | $644 |
| Cleveland | $125,000 | $1,255 | $112 | $295.96 | $590 |
| Cincinnati | $265,000 | $1,074 | $89.1 | $135.23 | $495 |
| Toledo | $128,000 | $777 | $80.3 | $192.86 | $524 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Ohio’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Buckeye State is projected to add 3,250 jobs annually till 2030.
- Technology: Ohio is becoming a tech hub, particularly in cities like Columbus and Cincinnati. There’s a high demand for software developers, cybersecurity experts, and data analysts. Top employers in the state include IBM, Hyland Software Inc., and Ashton Solutions.
- Healthcare: Healthcare is Ohio’s largest employment sector, with 717,900 jobs. Key employers are Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, and University Hospitals. The need for healthcare professionals is strong, particularly for registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides.
- Manufacturing: Ohio is a major hub for manufacturing, especially in automotive and aerospace. Companies like General Motors, Ford, and Whirlpool are among the state’s largest employers. The average salary in manufacturing ranges from $48,521 to $81,330.
- Logistics and Supply Chain: Ohio is a logistics hub in the Midwest and has a robust supply chain sector. Job opportunities in transportation, distribution, and logistics management are increasing. The average salary in this field is $75,373.
3. Education and Schools
Ohio has the 6th largest public education system in the U.S., serving over 1.8 million students across 615 school districts. The state offers various schooling options:
- Public Schools: There are more than 3,136 public schools in Ohio, recognized for their academic quality and innovative programs. Top schools include Oakwood High School and Rocky River High School.
- Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: OH has over 373 that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free and are a good alternative to traditional public schools. Schools such as Dayton Regional STEM School and Bexley High School are among the best in the state.
- Private Schools: The state is home to over 1,428 private schools. The state offers voucher programs, like the EdChoice and EdChoice Expansion scholarships, to help families afford private education. Columbus Academy and University School are among the top private institutions.
- Higher Education: Ohio has a robust higher education system with 14 public universities and numerous private colleges. Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati are recognized for their research programs in technology, engineering, and health sciences.
Cost of Moving to Ohio 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to OH:
1. Moving Costs ~ $409 and $3,978
Moving to Ohio involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Ohio movers typically cost $122 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Ohio.
2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Ohio.
- When relocating to Ohio, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in OH is around $472/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Ohio. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in OH is $31. A standard title transfer costs around $15.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Buckeye State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $2000.
- However, buying can be complex as home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Ohio in your budget. In cities like Montgomery, the median home price is $620K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in cities like Cincinnati is $265K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Ohio ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to OH, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Ohio neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
