Ohio · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Lima, OH

The median household in Lima, OH earns $46,240 a year ($3,853/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,108/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $44,320 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 10.3% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$46,240$3,853 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,108HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)89.7-10.3% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate19.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential OH
Census Population35,010Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Lima, OH

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,108Monthly market rent
Share of gross income28.8%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$44,320To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,156At 30% of $46,240
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Lima, OH

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Lima, OH MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Lima, OH
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$839$10,068$33,56021.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment$844$10,128$33,76021.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,108$13,296$44,32028.8%
3-Bedroom Home$1,338$16,056$53,52034.7%
4-Bedroom Home$1,493$17,916$59,72038.7%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Lima, OH →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Lima, OH

Based on the local median household income of $46,240/year ($3,853/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,927/moRent ($1,108 2-BR), utilities (~$173/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,156/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 89.7 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$771/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Ohio

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Ohio state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$46,240
$15,000$95,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$46,240
Net 83%
Fed 7%
OH 2%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$38,506After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,209Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,481Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate16.7%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,369 / yr
Ohio state income tax$828 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,537 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Ohio with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Lima, OH

What is the median household income in Lima, OH?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Lima, OH is $46,240 per year (approximately $3,853 per month).

What is the average rent in Lima, OH?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Lima, OH are $839 for a studio, $844 for 1 bedroom, $1,108 for 2 bedrooms, $1,338 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,493 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Lima, OH compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Lima, OH is 89.7 (10.3% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Lima, OH?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,108/month) in Lima, OH requires a minimum gross household income of $44,320 per year ($3,693 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Lima, OH?

For a typical household earning the median income of $46,240/year ($3,853/month) in Lima, OH, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,927/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,156/month to discretionary spending, and $771/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Lima, OH?

Residential electricity rates in Ohio average 19.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $173 per month.