Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,059 in Ohio versus $1,858 in Washington. Overall, Ohio runs roughly 43% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,327 in Ohio and $121,984 in Washington — about 46% higher in Washington. Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.75%
6.5%
+0.8 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
2.75%
None
+2.8 pp in Ohio
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,059
$1,858
+75% in Washington
Median Home Value
$234,500
$912,100
+289% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,327
$121,984
+87% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
53.5°F
+0.8°F in Washington
Ohio vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or Washington?
- Ohio is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,059 runs about 43% below Washington's $1,858, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Ohio than in Washington?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $42,000 a year in Ohio versus $74,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Ohio or Washington?
- Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Ohio/Washington — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.