Moving to Ohio: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking of moving to Ohio? You’re not alone. The Buckeye State draws folks from everywhere—whether you’re after the excitement of Columbus or the charm of quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

Ohio has plenty to offer, but before making the move and buying a home, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons.

We’ll break down everything you should know about moving to Ohio so you can easily decide if it’s the right place for you.

Jump to the Ohio information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to OH
Top car shippers to OH
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Ohio

Like any big move, relocating to Ohio comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Buckeye State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in Ohio

✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Low cost of living
✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
✓Famously delicious beer
✓Amazing food

Cons of living in Ohio

✖Low happiness
✖Limited diversity
✖Political division
✖Harsh weather
✖Weird laws

Things to do in Ohio

No matter why you’re heading to Ohio—for a job, family, or just a change of scenery—you’ll want to dive into everything your new home has to offer. The great thing is, Ohio is packed with exciting activities and places to discover, no matter what you’re into.

These places are perfect for family outings or for meeting new people if you’re exploring on your own. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a spot that matches your style and makes you feel at home.

Popular Attractions in Ohio

Cedar Point Amusement Park/Resort
Cleveland Museum of Art
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Hocking Hills State Park
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Toledo Museum of Art

Museums in Ohio

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Cleveland Museum of Art
A Christmas Story House
National Museum of the US Air Force
Toledo Museum of Art
Cincinnati Art Museum
American Sign Museum
Pro Football Hall of Fame
COSI (Center of Science and Industry)

Parks in Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Wayne National Forest
Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave
Maumee Bay State Park
Salt Fork State Park
Salt Fork State Park
John Bryan State Park
John Bryan State Park
Malabar Farm State Park

Fun facts about Ohio

Each state has its own distinct flavor, influenced by its history, culture, and residents. Exploring local traditions and quirks lets you really experience what life is like there.

Learning these fun facts about Ohio reveals what makes the state unique—and might even spark your interest in making it your new home.

The first ambulance service was established in Cincinnati in 1865.
Cleveland boasts America’s first traffic light. It began on Aug. 5, 1914.
Ermal Fraze invented the pop-top can in Kettering.
James J. Ritty, of Dayton, invented the cash register in 1879 to stop his patrons from pilfering house profits.
“Hang On Sloopy” is the official state rock song.
Cincinnati Reds were the first professional baseball team.
The Y Bridge in Zanesville was first built in 1814 to span the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers. The current bridge is the fifth construction at the same location. “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” proclaimed it the only bridge in the world which you can cross and still be on the same side of the river.
Akron was the first city to use police cars.
Cincinnati had the first professional city fire department.
Akron is the rubber capital of the world.

Ohio population and demographics

Planning a move to Ohio? Get the inside scoop on what living in the Buckeye State is truly all about—not just the stats.

Choosing a more populous state often brings you more job options, a lively entertainment scene, and better infrastructure. In contrast, moving to a less crowded state usually means a quieter life and a closer-knit community.

Checking out average education levels gives you a sense of local job opportunities and how easy it is to find schools or colleges nearby. Meanwhile, a state’s political landscape reveals what values and priorities matter most to people living there.

Learning about the people, daily life, and values in Ohio can help you decide if it’s the right place for you to feel at home.

Metric	Ohio
Population	11,785,935
Female	50.7%
Male	49.3%
College graduation rate	30.72%
Political leaning	Republican 55-45
Crime index	20.76

Ohio weather

Weather plays a major role in daily life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Ohio is right for you. Looking at seasonal temperatures and rainfall will help you plan outdoor activities, pick the right clothing, and stay prepared for whatever the forecast brings.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and leave you cranking the AC around the clock. When winter rolls in, you’ll want a warm wardrobe and reliable heating to stay comfortable. And when snow falls, you might get anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws your daily routine into chaos.

Curious about endless sunshine, refreshing cool breezes, or escaping snowy winters? Understanding Ohio’s climate is key to figuring out if it matches your vibe.

Metric	Ohio
Summer high	84ºF
Winter low	20ºF
Annual rain	40″
Annual snow	28″

Income and cost of living in Ohio

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Ohio.

For example, knowing which industries drive the economy can help you gauge job opportunities in your field or predict the stability of the job market. Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, housing costs are likely one of the biggest pieces of the financial puzzle for you when deciding if you should move.

The cost of living index ties it all together by showing how far your dollar will stretch compared to the national average. A lower index typically means everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and housing are more affordable.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Ohio and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($111.5 billion)
Professional and business services ($77.3 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($73.7 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($65.2 billion)
Finance and insurance ($61.9 billion)
Wholesale trade ($41.7 billion)
Retail trade ($38.8 billion)
Construction ($25.2 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($24.8 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($23.1 billion)

Metric	Ohio
Average rent cost	$945
Average home cost	$230,798
Average income (per capita)	$66,990
Cost of living index*	94
Unemployment rate	3.6%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	3.5%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Ohio

If education ranks high on your moving checklist, a state’s schools and universities can reveal a lot about local career opportunities and the overall community vibe.

If you’re thinking about heading back to school, have kids nearing graduation, or simply want to live somewhere with great educational opportunities, Ohio is definitely worth a look.

Here are some of the top schools in Ohio:

The Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Case Western Reserve University
Kent State University
Bowling Green State University
Ohio University
University of Dayton
Miami University
University of Akron
Wright State University
Cleveland State University
University of Toledo
Oberlin College
Kenyon College
Xavier University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Ohio

We sifted through 2,756 moving companies across the country, including 96 right here in Ohio, and teamed up with actual movers and people like you to find the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Buckeye State? Take a look at the best moving companies that’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely, wherever you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to Ohio

Before making your move to Ohio, it’s smart to plan for the costs involved. On average, expect to spend around $136 per hour for professional movers. Your final price will vary based on the amount you’re moving and the distance—cross-state treks cost more than local relocations.

The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.

If you want to cut moving costs, check out one of the top moving container companies. You’ll get to pack and load your belongings whenever it works for you, while the company takes care of all the driving. It’s the perfect way to combine flexibility and savings—no need to go fully DIY or pay for an expensive full-service move.

Looking to cut costs? A moving truck rental is the cheapest route. You handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.

Want to skip the stress of moving on your own? Professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. But remember, this level of convenience usually comes with a bigger price tag—so be sure to shop around and compare quotes to find the best fit for your budget and your move.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Ohio

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Ohio.

Ohio car insurance requirements

In Ohio, drivers must have car insurance with at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. These insurance amounts are needed for vehicle registration and help protect you if you’re at fault in an accident. Consider increasing your coverage limits and adding more options for better protection.

Ohio drivers license requirements

In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and plates for your car. If you don’t, you might face issues with law enforcement and government officials.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Ohio?

Moving to Ohio is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Ohio is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Ohio?

On the cost of living index, Ohio has a score of 94. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Ohio?

The average income in OH is $66,990, and the an unemployment rate is 3.6. Home prices are $230,798, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $945.

What is the downside of living in Ohio?

Like any place, Ohio has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Buckeye State include:

Low happiness
Limited diversity
Political division
Harsh weather
Weird laws

Ohio Moving Resources

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