If you’ve found yourself wondering how to make your paycheck stretch a little further in Ohio or Texas, you’re not alone. Prices are rising. Groceries, gas, rent even fast food isn’t so cheap anymore. Yet, somehow, people are still managing to thrive in these states. How?
Here’s the good news: Despite inflation and economic shifts, Ohio and Texas remain two of the most affordable states in the U.S. when it comes to cost of living. But beating rising expenses still takes strategy, creativity, and a bit of grit. Whether you’re raising a family in Cleveland or chasing career dreams in Austin, this guide will show you practical, human-tested ways to stay ahead of the cost-of-living curve—without sacrificing your quality of life.
Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Cost of Living in Ohio and Texas
What Does “Cost of Living” Really Mean?
In simple terms, cost of living refers to the amount of money you need to cover basic expenses like housing, food, taxes, transportation, and healthcare in a particular place. It’s not just about what you earn—it’s about what your money can actually buy.
According to data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Ohio and Texas consistently rank among the lowest states for overall cost of living. But “low” doesn’t mean “cheap,” especially when inflation is affecting everything from rent to utility bills.
Ohio vs. Texas: A Quick Comparison
| Category | Ohio | Texas |
| Median Home Price (2024 est.) | ~$220,000 | ~$295,000 |
| Average Rent (2BR Apartment) | $950–$1,200 | $1,200–$1,600 |
| Gas Prices (per gallon) | ~$3.30 | ~$3.20 |
| State Income Tax | Yes | No |
| Property Taxes | Moderate | Higher than average |
While Texas boasts no state income tax, it often has higher property taxes and housing costs in booming cities like Austin and Dallas. Meanwhile, Ohio offers lower housing prices but does collect state income tax. So it balances out, depending on your lifestyle.
1. Smart Housing Choices: Rent, Buy, or Relocate?
Consider Secondary Cities
In Texas, cities like San Antonio and Fort Worth offer more affordable living than Austin or Dallas—without compromising access to jobs or amenities. In Ohio, towns like Dayton, Toledo, and Akron are becoming attractive alternatives to pricier Columbus or Cincinnati.
➡ Pro tip: Use tools like Niche or BestPlaces.net to compare cities by cost of living, safety, and amenities.
Co-Living & House Hacking
In both states, shared housing is gaining popularity, especially among younger adults and remote workers. Co-living setups (think furnished rooms with shared kitchens) can save you hundreds per month. If you own a home or are considering buying, “house hacking”—renting out part of your home—can offset your mortgage.
Example: Emma, a 32-year-old nurse in Columbus, rents out her basement suite on Airbnb. That income covers 40% of her mortgage.
2. Cut Transportation Costs (Without Losing Your Freedom)
Embrace Public Transit or Carpooling
Cities like Cleveland and Dallas have reliable bus and light rail systems. In Texas, Houston METRO and Dallas DART offer low-cost passes and discounted fares for students and seniors.
If public transit isn’t viable, carpooling apps like Splt, Waze Carpool, or Zimride can significantly cut commuting costs.
Go Electric (Smartly)
While electric vehicles (EVs) require an upfront investment, Ohio and Texas offer tax incentives for EV purchases, and electricity costs are below the national average. Sites like Energy.gov list current state incentives for fuel efficiency.
3. Lower Grocery & Utility Bills Without Feeling Deprived
Meal Prep Like a Pro
It’s not just hype—meal planning and cooking at home can save a family over $3,000 a year, according to Forbes. Look for local discount grocers like Aldi, H-E-B (Texas), or Marc’s (Ohio).
➡ Bonus: Join your local Facebook Marketplace or Buy Nothing Group for free or discounted kitchen appliances and groceries.
Be Utility-Wise
In both states, utility bills can fluctuate based on weather extremes. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Use smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee.
- Get a home energy audit—many utility providers offer them free or at low cost.
- Switch to LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances.
Some utility companies also offer budget billing to help spread out your payments across the year.
4. Maximize Income Without Changing Jobs
Remote Work Side Hustles
Whether you’re in Toledo or Tyler, remote side gigs can be a game-changer. Try:
- Freelance writing or virtual assistance on Upwork
- Selling items on Etsy or eBay
- Online tutoring through Wyzant or Chegg Tutors
Even 5–10 extra hours a week could bring in an extra $300–$500 monthly.
Skill Up for Raises & Promotions
Free or low-cost online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX (often backed by top universities) can help you boost your resume and your paycheck.
In Texas, look into programs like WorkInTexas.com for training and job listings. In Ohio, check out OhioMeansJobs.
5. Family & Lifestyle Hacks to Keep You Comfortable
Free & Low-Cost Entertainment
Ohio and Texas are rich in free outdoor activities: state parks, lakes, community festivals, and museums.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH) offers hiking, picnics, and even concerts—for free.
- Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin is a local favorite for outdoor fun.
- Many libraries offer free passes to museums, zoos, and cultural centers.
Childcare & Education Support
If you’re a parent, costs can pile up quickly. Both states have options to help:
- Head Start and Early Head Start programs for low-income families
- Subsidized childcare assistance via Texas Workforce Commission and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
- Free dual-enrollment programs for high schoolers to earn college credit
6. Healthcare: Get Coverage Without Breaking the Bank
Even if your job doesn’t offer health insurance, don’t skip it, medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the U.S.
Both Ohio and Texas participate in Healthcare.gov, where you can compare affordable marketplace plans.
Also consider:
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) for sliding-scale care
- GoodRx for prescription discounts
- Telehealth services that save both time and money
7. Taxes, Retirement, and Planning Ahead
Know Your Tax Perks
Ohio taxes income but has lower sales and property taxes compared to many states. Texas has no income tax, but higher sales and property taxes. Understanding this helps you budget smarter.
Tip: Use a free online tax estimator like SmartAsset to project how much you’ll actually owe or get back.
Start Saving—Even If It’s Small
Whether it’s a Roth IRA, 401(k), or emergency fund, putting away even $25 a week adds up. Apps like Acorns or Chime make it easy to auto-save without thinking.
Real Stories from Real People
Tyrone, a warehouse worker in Houston, was spending over $400/month on commuting and eating out. After switching to carpooling and meal prepping, he’s now saving $250/month—and using that extra cash to build his emergency fund.
Laura and Mike, a young couple in Akron, bought a duplex and rented out the other unit. The rental income now pays their entire mortgage. “We didn’t think we could afford a home. Turns out, we just had to be creative.”
Conclusion: Living Well Without Overspending Is Possible
Rising costs might feel discouraging, but living affordably in Ohio and Texas isn’t just possible, it’s practical. By making smart housing decisions, minimizing day-to-day expenses, and maximizing your income potential, you can maintain (and even upgrade) your lifestyle.
Remember: it’s not about extreme frugality. It’s about intentional living—knowing where your money goes and making it work for you, not against you.
Ready to Take Control of Your Finances?
Don’t wait for things to get cheaper. Start building your cost-busting strategy today. Share this post with a friend, bookmark it for later, and take one small step right now—whether it’s meal planning, checking your utility bill, or downloading a savings app.
Living smart in Ohio or Texas starts with you and the time is now.
