Report: cost of living in Norwalk relatively low
This article was originally published by The Norwalk Reflector
The cost of living in Norwalk is relatively low, compared to other cities across the state.
So says a recently released report by doxo Insights about the cost of living in cities across the country and in Ohio.
The report found that Norwalk is the 122nd most expensive city in Ohio for household expenses.
The report also found that:
- The average Norwalk household pays $1,723 a month, or $20,670 a year for the 10 most common household bills
- The cost of living in Norwalk is 19% lower than the national average of $2,046, and 8% lower than the state average of $1,870
- Norwalk households spend 33% of their income on household bills
Norwalk Mayor Dave Light said the city does it’s part to keep the cost of living low.
“The city of Norwalk operates primarily from income taxes as opposed to sales tax,” Light said. “We have a diverse business base that adds to our financial stability. We have a 1 1/2 percent income tax rate; 1/4 percent of which goes toward our sanitation department. It allows for up to three bags of trash per household, recyclables, and compost to be picked up each week. This is much less expensive, per household, than paying for a private trash collector. We have not had a water rate increase in more than five years. We have responsible department heads and a city administration that is very conservative with taxpayers money.”
He also said the city of Norwalk provides excellent services at great value.
“Our safety forcers are among the best in the area,” Light said. “We have an outstanding park system. All of this makes Norwalk an attractive place to live.”
The doxo Insights does not have numbers for Willard, but it does have numbers for Bellevue and Sandusky.
Bellevue is less expensive than Norwalk, the report finds.
Household bills in Bellevue are 27 percent lower than the U.S. average. The average household pays $1,543 per month, or $18,516 per year on bills. Those numbers make Bellevue the 172nd most expensive city in Ohio.
The report also has good news for those living in Sandusky.
Household bills in Sandusky are 20 percent lower than the U.S. average. The average household in Sandusky pays $1,698 per month, or $20,373 per year on bills. Those numbers make Sandusky the 129th most expensive city in Ohio.
By comparison, bills in Port Clinton are 12 percent lower than the U.S. average. The average household in Port Clinton pays $1,861 per month, or $22,336 per year on bills. Those numbers make Port Clinton the 84th most expensive city in Ohio.
Finally, Huron is right there with Port Clinton when it comes to costs of living.
Household bills in Huron are 15% lower than the U.S. average. The average household in Huron pays $1,803 per month, or $21,641 per year on bills. Those numbers make Huron the 85th most expensive city in Ohio.