Hilliard, OH vs. Grove City, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Contrary to popular belief, Hilliard is actually more affordable than Grove City for most households in 2025. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Hilliard and Grove City. It’s perfect for families relocating to the Columbus area, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two Ohio suburbs.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Hilliard and Grove City. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Hilliard | Grove City |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $325,000 | $350,000 |
🏆 Winner: Hilliard. You can expect to pay about $150 less per month in rent or $25,000 less to buy a home in Hilliard compared to Grove City.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Hilliard coming out slightly ahead. Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash in Hilliard. In Grove City, the same utilities average closer to $200 monthly.
Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so budget for higher heating and cooling bills in peak months. Enrolling in budget billing can help even out costs.
🏆 Winner: Hilliard, but only by about $20 per month on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs and everyday expenses like dining out, haircuts, and dry cleaning are nearly identical in Hilliard and Grove City. Expect to spend around $400 per month on groceries for a single person, or $1,000+ for a family of four in either city.
One notable difference: gas prices tend to be about 10 cents per gallon cheaper in Hilliard thanks to lower municipal gas taxes.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Aside from slightly cheaper gas in Hilliard, grocery and daily living costs are a wash between the two cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Hilliard and Grove City have a 2.5% income tax rate on top of state and federal taxes. However, property taxes are higher in Grove City, with an effective rate of 2.12% compared to Hilliard’s 1.95%.
For a $325,000 home, that’s a difference of about $550 per year. Hilliard also has slightly lower municipal fees for services like waste collection and water/sewer.
🏆 Winner: Hilliard. Lower property taxes and city fees give Hilliard the edge.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Hilliard | Grove City |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $1,900 | $2,050 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $70 |
| Taxes (Property) | $528 | $574 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $500 |
| Est. Monthly Total | $3,568 | $3,794 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Hilliard is more affordable overall, Grove City does offer some lifestyle advantages that may be worth the extra cost for some households:
- Grove City has more walkable neighborhoods and public transit options, making it easier to get by with one less car.
- Grove City also tends to have slightly larger homes and lot sizes for a given price point.
However, Hilliard has the edge for commuters, with quicker access to major highways and job centers in Columbus. Hilliard residents save an average of 10 minutes each way on their daily commute compared to Grove City.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Hilliard more affordable than Grove City?
A: Yes, Hilliard has a lower overall cost of living than Grove City as of 2025. Housing, utilities, and taxes all tend to be cheaper in Hilliard.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Hilliard has lower rent prices across all apartment sizes. On average, renters pay about $150 less per month in Hilliard compared to Grove City.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Homes cost about 5-10% less in Hilliard than Grove City for a comparable size and style. Buyers can expect to pay around $25,000 less on average for a 3BR house in Hilliard.
8. Conclusion
While both Hilliard and Grove City offer a high quality of life in the Columbus area, Hilliard comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Families looking to stretch their budget will find Hilliard more affordable, while Grove City may appeal more to those willing to pay a bit extra for more space and walkability.
Of course, the right choice depends on your specific priorities and lifestyle. We recommend visiting both cities in person and working with a local realtor to weigh your options. For a more detailed look at monthly expenses in Hilliard, check out our guides on how much it costs to live in Hilliard and the full cost of living breakdown for 2025.