Grove City is considered relatively affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,450 per month and utility costs generally in line with national averages.
Housing Costs in Grove City
Housing options in Grove City range from apartments and condos to single-family homes. Typical rent for a 2-bedroom apartment falls between $1,300 and $1,600 per month, with a median around $1,450. Buying a 3-bedroom house usually costs between $280,000 and $450,000, depending on the neighborhood, age, and property features.
Some key differences across Grove City neighborhoods include:
- Town Center: Mostly older homes, walkable to shops and dining. Median 3-bed price: $320,000
- Pinnacle: Newer planned community with amenities. Typical 3-bed price: $400,000+
- Hoover Crossing: Mix of apartments, townhomes, and houses. 2-bed rent average: $1,400
About 30% of neighborhoods have active Homeowners Associations (HOAs), with monthly fees ranging from $100 to $300. These cover shared amenities and exterior maintenance.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utility costs in Grove City are generally comparable to national averages. Expect the following monthly expenses:
| Utility | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $100 – $150 |
| Gas | $40 – $80 |
| Water/Sewer | $50 – $70 |
| Trash | $20 – $30 |
| Internet | $50 – $80 |
Cooling costs may spike in the summer months, adding $50 or more to electric bills. Many homes use gas for heating, leading to higher winter gas bills around $100-$150 monthly.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs in Grove City are slightly lower than the national average. Expect to spend around $300 to $400 per person monthly on food and household essentials. A gallon of milk is about $3.50, while a loaf of bread averages $2.80.
Dining out costs vary, but a typical fast-casual meal for two runs about $30. A nicer sit-down dinner for two with drinks is usually $60 to $80.
Taxes and Fees
Grove City’s property tax rate is around 2% of assessed home value annually. For a $350,000 house, that equates to roughly $7,000 per year or $580 per month.
Sales tax in Grove City is 7.5%, combining the 5.75% state rate and the 1.75% Franklin County rate. Vehicle registration fees are $31 to $49 annually, depending on the type of vehicle.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Household | Estimated Monthly Budget |
|---|---|
| Single person | $2,400 – $3,000 |
| Couple | $3,500 – $4,500 |
| Family of 4 | $5,000 – $6,500 |
These figures include housing, utilities, groceries, dining out, and basic entertainment. They do not include savings, debt payments, or luxuries. A comfortable lifestyle in Grove City may require a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of at least $4,200 for a couple or $6,000 for a family.
Lifestyle Considerations
Commute times in Grove City average 20 to 30 minutes, as many residents work in Columbus or nearby suburbs. Traffic is moderate but rarely congested outside of peak hours.
Homes in Grove City tend to offer more square footage for the price compared to Columbus proper. Lot sizes are also more generous, appealing to those who value outdoor space. The tradeoff is a longer commute for some.
Grove City offers ample parks, trails, and community events that add to the quality of life. The historic Town Center is a popular gathering spot with local shops and restaurants. Newer developments like Pinnacle provide resort-style amenities for a higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What salary do you need to live comfortably in Grove City?
A gross monthly income of at least $4,200 for a couple or $6,000 for a family of four allows for a comfortable lifestyle in Grove City, covering basic expenses and some extras. - Is Grove City cheaper than Columbus?
Yes, the cost of living in Grove City is about 5-10% lower than in Columbus, primarily due to more affordable housing options. However, commute times to Columbus are longer. - What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Grove City?
The Town Center and older neighborhoods in the northern part of Grove City tend to have the most affordable housing, with options under $250,000 to purchase or $1,200 to rent. - How much does childcare cost in Grove City?
Childcare costs vary but average around $1,000 per month for full-time care of a young child. Some families opt for part-time care or nanny shares to reduce this expense. - What are the top 3 costs that surprise newcomers to Grove City?
Property taxes, summer electric bills, and HOA fees tend to catch newcomers off guard. Property taxes can add hundreds to the monthly housing budget, summer cooling can spike electric costs, and HOA fees in some neighborhoods add $100 to $300+ per month. - How do moving costs to Grove City compare to other cities?
Moving costs to Grove City are typical for the region. A full-service move for a 3-bedroom home usually falls between $4,000 and $8,000 depending on distance and services. See our 2025 moving company picks for options.