Ohio is full of affordable cities that cater to all sorts of different lifestyles, from bustling urban centers to quiet small towns. Finding an affordable place to live in Ohio can help you enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
Let’s take a closer look at 12 of the cheapest places to live in Ohio, along with some information on employment opportunities and affordable attractions in each town.
1. Lorain
Average rent: $615
Lorain tops our list with an average rent of just $615. Studio apartments are particularly affordable at $559, while one-bedroom units are $592 and two-bedroom apartments go for $695.
A couple of the larger employers in Lorain are Mercy Health and Lorain City School District. To get an authentic Lorain experience, check out the Lorain Lighthouse or enjoy a day at Lakeview Park.
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2. Newark
Average rent: $619
Newark has an average rent of $619, making it another highly affordable option. One-bedroom apartments in Newark average $562, and two-bedroom units are about $675.
Major employers in Newark include Licking Memorial Health Systems and the Newark City School District. In terms of cheap fun, visit the historic Dawes Arboretum or find a show at the Midland Theatre.
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3. Elyria
Average rent: $702
Elyria has an average rent of $702, making it a budget-friendly place to live. Studio apartments average $580, one-bedroom units are around $700, and two-bedroom apartments are $825. With affordable transportation and utility costs, living in Elyria is financially sensible.
Some of the noteworthy employers in Elyria include Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center. For a fun day out, visit Cascade Park or time your trip up with the legendary Elyria Apple Festival.
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4. Canton
Average rent: $778
Canton boasts an average rent of $778, offering affordable living in Ohio. Studio apartments average $570, one-bedroom units are about $800, and two-bedroom apartments are $965.
Sizable employers in Canton include Aultman Hospital and Diebold Nixdorf. Locals love renowned attractions like the Pro Football Hall of Fame the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum.
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5. Youngstown
Average rent: $798
Youngstown has an average rent of $798, making it an affordable place to live. Studio apartments average $635, one-bedroom units are about $887, and two-bedroom units are around $872.
Youngstown State University is one of the more noteworthy employers in Youngstown. For some affordable fun, check out Mill Creek Park or the Butler Institute of American Art.
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6. Toledo
Average rent: $798
Toledo offers an average rent of $798, making it a reasonably priced place to live. Studio apartments in Toledo average $651, one-bedroom units are about $774, and two-bedroom apartments are $969.
As one of the best college towns in Ohio, the University of Toledo is one of the most prominent employers in the city. In terms of frugal fun, visit the Toledo Museum of Art or catch a Toledo Mud Hens game at beautiful Fifth Third Field.
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7. Springfield
Average rent: $800
Springfield has an average rent of $800, making it an affordable choice in Ohio. Studio apartments average $700, one-bedroom units are about $800, and two-bedroom apartments are $900.
Major employers in Springfield include Navistar International and Springfield City School District. For some Springfield fun, visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House or the Hartman Rock Garden.
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8. Dayton
Average rent: $834
Dayton’s average rent is $834, making it a reasonably priced place to live. Studio apartments average $647, one-bedroom units are about $824, and two-bedroom apartments come in at $1,032.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the University of Dayton are two of the most impactful employers in the area, providing plenty of jobs and solidifying Dayton as one of the best Ohio college towns. If you’re in town, be sure to visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force or explore the Dayton Art Institute.
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9. Middletown
Average rent: $969
Middletown’s average rent is $969, making it an affordable option in Ohio. One-bedroom apartments average $885, and two-bedroom units are about $1,040.
Large employers in Middletown include AK Steel and Atrium Medical Center. Locals in Middletown enjoy the ability to easily hit up affordable attractions like the Middletown Arts Center or Smith Park on a sunny day.
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10. Akron
Average rent: $978
Akron boasts an average rent of $978, making it an affordable place to live. Studio apartments average $899, one-bedroom units are about $880, and two-bedroom units are around $1,155.
A couple key employers in Akron include University of Akron and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. For a relaxed day out and about, visit the Akron Art Museum or enjoy the trails at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
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11. Kettering
Average rent: $973
The average rent in Kettering sits at $973, offering affordable living in Ohio. One-bedroom units are about $915, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,030.
A couple of the larger employers in Kettering are Kettering Health Network and the Kettering City School District. Fraze Pavilion and the Kettering Recreation Complex are two of the most popular affordable attractions in the area.
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12. Hamilton
Average rent: $1,052
Hamilton’s average rent is $1,052, making it a reasonably priced place to live. One-bedroom units are about $940, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,164.
Major employers in Hamilton include Kettering Health Hamilton and the Hamilton City School District. You can’t come to Hamilton without visiting Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park or taking a stroll through the Fitton Center for Creative Arts.
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Methodology
All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have an average rent price under the median rent price for the state – which is $1,155 per month according to Redfin data. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2024.
