Keeping down the cost of living

If you want to know something on a deeper level, examine the data. Doxo, a bill payment company that "provides a comprehensive look into the household bill pay industry" recently compiled and compared the cost of living here, and the area generally fared well. Water skiing is one of the leisure activities for which this area is known. File photo It's very well, actually, when monthly bills that residents pay locally are compared to the bills families in other parts of the state and nation pay. The most expensive Ohio city to live in, according to the study, is Dublin, a Columbus suburb that has an average monthly bill cost of $3,116. The most expensive county to live in is Delaware County, located north of Columbus, with an average monthly bill expense of $2,519. The average Sandusky resident pays $1,698 overall in bills every month — a difference of $821 lower than in Delaware County and a whopping $1,418 less expensive than in Dublin, Ohio. But, overall, the numbers reveal that in our area the cost of living — the cost of taxes, homes, food and groceries, utilities and everything else consumers must grapple with each month — is considerably lower here than in most other places. Sandusky is the 129th most expensive city in the state to live. The average monthly bills for someone living here are 20% lower than the average that people who don't live here pay. Just one county over, in Fremont, the cost of living is the 180th most expensive, and monthly bills are 29% lower, with average household bills totaling $1,504. There are many factors that contribute to the cost of living, including the cost of government services, the taxes we pay and where local tax revenue is generated. We appreciate leaders who are always keeping an eye on the bottom line — making sure local governments are not overspending or over-constructing infrastructure projects — items that would adversely impact the cost of living if they are not kept in check. There's a lot to enjoy living here where there are four seasons of weather, a beautiful lake and abundant natural resources. The lower cost of living is a huge bonus.