14 Most Affordable Places to Live in Ohio in 2024

Ohio offers a range of landscapes from vibrant cities like Columbus and Cleveland, to charming small towns and scenery like the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the shores of Lake Erie. If Ohio sounds like the state for you, then you may also be curious about what cities fit into your budget. As of July, the median home sale price in Ohio is $259,100. 

If that price doesn’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. To help you find the right place to buy a home, Redfin has gathered a list of 14 of the most affordable places to live in Ohio. And they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Read on to find out which cities made the list.

#1: Canton

Median home price: $105,000
Average sale price per square foot: $87
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $775
Median household income: $32,735
Nearest major metro: Akron (25 miles)
Canton, OH homes for sale
Canton, OH apartments for rent

First on the list of affordable places to live in Ohio is Canton, where the median home sale price is about $150K less than the state’s average. With roughly 70,900 people calling Canton home, it’s a great area to consider buying a house this year. Make sure to walk along the West Branch Trail and parks like Stadium Park, check out museums like McKinley Presidential Library & Museum and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, or visit downtown Canton. No matter what neighborhood you move to in Canton, you’ll never tire of exploring this city.

#2: Youngstown

Median home price: $109,500
Average sale price per square foot: $69
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $887
Median household income: $30,129
Nearest major metro: Akron (50 miles)
Youngstown, OH homes for sale
Youngstown, OH apartments for rent

Taking second place on our list of affordable cities to live in Ohio is Youngstown. When living in this city of 60,100 people, you can check out the gorge, waterfall, and hiking trails at Mill Creek Park, visit museums like the Butler Institute of American Art and J&L Narrow Gauge Railroad, or explore the downtown area.

#3: Dayton

Median home price: $122,000
Average sale price per square foot: $97
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $842
Median household income: $34,457
Nearest major metro: Cincinnati (55 miles)
Dayton, OH homes for sale
Dayton, OH apartments for rent

Living in Ohio, it’s likely that you’ve heard of Dayton, the third city on our list. About 137,600 people reside in Dayton. Be sure to discover one of the many museums like the National Museum of the US Air Force, the Dayton Art Institute, and America’s Packard Museum, spend the day outside at Eastwood MetroPark or Island MetroPark, and explore downtown once living in Dayton.

#4: Toledo

Median home price: $125,900
Average sale price per square foot: $99
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $774
Median household income: $39,155
Nearest major metro: Detroit, MI (60 miles)
Toledo, OH homes for sale
Toledo, OH apartments for rent

Fourth on our list of affordable places to live in Ohio is Toledo. With a population of about 270,900, living in Toledo is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city to live in. If you’re going to call Toledo home, plan time to explore the parks, restaurants, and museums in downtown Toledo, check out the exhibits at the National Museum of the Great Lakes or Toledo Museum of Art, and visit the Toledo Botanical Garden.

#5: Springfield

Median home price: $129,900
Average sale price per square foot: $114
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $740
Median household income: $39,344
Nearest major metro: Dayton (30 miles)
Springfield, OH homes for sale
Springfield, OH apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $129,900, Springfield takes the fifth spot on our list of affordable places to live in Ohio. There are about 58,700 residents living in this mid-sized city. Living in Springfield, you can take a self-guided tour of the Hartman Rock Garden, explore art and architecture at Springfield Museum of Art or Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House, and hike, bike, or boat at Buck Creek State Park

#6: Cleveland

Median home price: $130,000
Average sale price per square foot: $91
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,466
Median household income: $30,129
Nearest major metro: Columbus (145 miles)
Cleveland, OH homes for sale
Cleveland, OH apartments for rent

Another great affordable city to consider moving to is Cleveland. Home to 372,600 residents, this affordable town can be a great option to add to your list. Living in Cleveland, you can discover the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and check out the historic West Side Market where you’ll find local food vendors and produce. Make sure to also see a theater show at Playhouse Square, and take in the views of Lake Erie from Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve.

#7: Akron

Median home price: $139,950
Average sale price per square foot: $114
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $782
Median household income: $30,129
Nearest major metro: Cleveland (40 miles)
Akron, OH homes for sale
Akron, OH apartments for rent

A little more expensive than Cleveland is the city of Akron. With roughly 190,500 residents in Akron, make sure to visit the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, a historic Tudor Revival home, explore parks like Sand Run Metro Park and Goodyear Heights Metro Park, and check out the museums and local spots downtown.

#8: Lorain

Median home price: $148,000
Average sale price per square foot: $112
Median household income: $40,486
Nearest major metro: Cleveland (30 miles)
Lorain, OH homes for sale
Lorain, OH apartments for rent

About 65,200 people reside in Lorain. The median home sale price is $148,000 which is about $110K less than the median home sale price in Ohio. Make sure to visit lakefront spots like Lakeview Beach, the Mile Long Pier, and Lorain Harbor Lighthouse, check out Black River Reservation Days Dam, and grab a meal at one of the local restaurants if you move to the eighth most affordable city.

#9: Elyria

Median home price: $185,500
Average sale price per square foot: $137
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $590
Median household income: $43,816
Nearest major metro: Cleveland (30 miles)
Elyria, OH homes for sale
Elyria, OH apartments for rent

The population is about 52,700 in Elyria, another great place to consider living in Ohio. Popular things to do in Elyria include strolling along the East Falls Riverwalk, exploring downtown Elyria, and visiting museums like The Hickories Museum.

#10: Hamilton

Median home price: $203,000
Average sale price per square foot: $154
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $902
Median household income: $47,937
Nearest major metro: Cincinnati (35 miles)
Hamilton, OH homes for sale
Hamilton, OH apartments for rent

The city of Hamilton is an awesome affordable city to consider residing in. With a median home sale price of $203,000 and a population of 63,400 there are plenty of reasons that might convince you to move to Hamilton. You’ll find lots of activities as well, such as checking out the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, exploring the Riverside Natural Area, and visiting downtown Hamilton.

#11: Cuyahoga Falls

Median home price: $209,900
Average sale price per square foot: $154
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $877
Median household income: $60,280
Nearest major metro: Akron (5 miles)
Cuyahoga Falls, OH homes for sale
Cuyahoga Falls, OH apartments for rent

The city of Cuyahoga Falls takes the 11th spot on our list. For those looking to buy a home, the median sale price is $209,500. If you’re looking to visit the nearest major city, Akron is about 5 miles away from Cuyahoga Falls. There is plenty to do in Cuyahoga Falls like checking out the riverfront area where you’ll find restaurants and shops, exploring the Riding Run Conservation Area, and picnicking at Water Works Park.

#12: Parma

Median home price: $226,000
Average sale price per square foot: $165
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $925
Median household income: $58,011
Nearest major metro: Cleveland (10 miles)
Parma, OH homes for sale
Parma, OH apartments for rent

The median home sale price in Parma is $226,000, making it another great city to consider moving to this year. There are about 81,00 people living in this city, giving Parma a city-like feel without the hustle and bustle. If Parma is the city for you, be sure to explore the trails or have a picnic at West Creek Reservation, and grab a meal at a local restaurant.

#13: Middletown

Median home price: $205,000
Average sale price per square foot: $142
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $767
Median household income: $42,290
Nearest major metro: Cincinnati (38 miles)
Middletown, OH homes for sale
Middletown, OH apartments for rent

Next up on our list is Middletown. This city has a population of 50,900 and you can visit Smith Park and explore the charming downtown area with shops and restaurants. You’ll have plenty of activities to explore during your free time living in Middletown.

#14: Kettering

Median home price: $240,050
Average sale price per square foot: $171
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $800
Median household income: $61,974
Nearest major metro: Dayton (6 miles)
Kettering, OH homes for sale
Kettering, OH apartments for rent

Taking the 14th and final spot on our list of most affordable places to live in Ohio is Kettering. There are about 57,900 residents in the Kettering area. There is a lot to do in the city whether you’re looking to be outdoors or inside. For example, you can golf at one of the courses or see some live music at Fraze Pavilion.

Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Ohio. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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