Best Cities for Financial Analysts in Ohio
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $85,000 salary
Ohio has 10 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For financial analysts earning around $85,000 annually, Mansfield stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 49.6 and $61,162 left after taxes and rent. 10 cities in Ohio sit below the national average cost of living, giving financial analysts more purchasing power per dollar earned. Columbus is the priciest metro at 87.1 on the index, 38 points above Mansfield.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mansfield | 49.6 | $973 |
| 2 | Youngstown-Warren | 50.4 | $973 |
| 3 | Lima | 52.9 | $1,108 |
| 4 | Canton-Massillon | 58.4 | $1,086 |
| 5 | Springfield | 58.6 | $1,106 |
| 6 | Toledo | 66.4 | $1,076 |
| 7 | Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | 75.0 | $1,273 |
| 8 | Akron | 77.5 | $1,268 |
| 9 | Cleveland | 78.2 | $1,279 |
| 10 | Columbus | 87.1 | $1,430 |
Net income = $85,000 salary − federal & Ohio state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $85,000 salary for financial analysts who analyze investments and financial data, after applying 2026 federal and Ohio state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Ohio for financial analysts?
Mansfield is the most affordable city in Ohio for financial analysts, with a cost-of-living index of 49.6 (national average = 100). On a $85,000 salary, you'd have approximately $61,162 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do financial analysts earn in Ohio?
Financial Analysts in Ohio earn around $85,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $13,884 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Ohio cities?
Across 10 metro areas in Ohio, the average cost-of-living index is 65 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Mansfield at 49.6, while Columbus is the most expensive at 87.1—a difference of 38 index points.
Other Rankings in Ohio
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