Best Affordable Places to Live in Ohio in 2024

Best Places to Live in Ohio

Ohio offers a number of popular and affordable towns and cities to live in. If you’re trying to save on rent, consider locations like Youngstown and Van Wert. Sports fans will be drawn to Cincinnati and Cleveland, while thrill junkies will gravitate to the rollercoasters in Mason and Sandusky. Dayton is another sweet spot — just the right size and affordable, with plenty to do.

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Best Affordable Places to Live in Ohio

Ohio is known for its low cost of living, thanks to affordable housing in its rural and urban areas. Cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland attract residents because of their shopping, sports teams, restaurants, and schools. But the smaller, lesser-known towns, such as the ones below, are the most affordable to live in.

1. Youngstown

Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone

Youngstown is a vibrant and inexpensive place to live in Ohio. The city is close enough to the Pennsylvania border that you could even live here and work there. Youngstown is regularly named one of the best places to live in Ohio, with a thriving downtown scene and plenty of wide open spaces and farm land.

Population: 59,144

Median Household Income: $31,020

Cost of Living: 85.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $850

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 2.15

Average Property Tax: 1.55%

Housing Affordability: Renting a home in Youngstown is affordable ($850 median monthly rent), but prospective purchasers also have a great chance of finding a home within their means here. Youngstown has the lowest home price-to-income ratio of any town on our list, meaning homes are relatively affordable compared to the typical income. Plus, there are first-time homebuyer programs in Ohio that may help those who are house hunting.

2. Van Wert

Photo credit: Flickr/David Wilson , Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License

This small town in northwest Ohio is currently undergoing a major downtown revitalization. Now is a great time to purchase a home in Van Wert — before the project is complete and the town becomes an even more desirable place to live. Major employers in the area include Central Insurance, Cooper Farms, and Danfoss.

Population: 11,063

Median Household Income: $47,811

Cost of Living: 86.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $547

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.25

Average Property Tax: 1.08%

Housing Affordability: At just $547 a month, Van Wert has one of the lowest median rent prices in Ohio. Purchasing a house in Van Wert is also affordable; median home prices are just $155,336, for a home price-to-income ratio of only 3.25.

3. Springfield

Photo credit: www.springfieldohio.gov

Springfield is less than 30 miles from the city of Dayton, giving you the best of both worlds: Springfield’s affordable housing market and Dayton’s breweries, restaurants, museums, and theaters. Yellow Springs, an artsy suburb of Dayton, is only 20 minutes away.

Population: 58,106

Median Household Income: $42,131

Cost of Living: 94.1% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $894

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.10

Average Property Tax: 1.45%

Housing Affordability: Rent prices have stayed consistent in Springfield, though the market is warming up. Springfield is also a good place to purchase a home. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.10, and the median home price is $172,618.

4. Lima

Photo credit: Wikipedia/Nyttend , Creative Commons 4.0 License

Fans of Glee might recognize Lima as the setting for Fox’s musical TV show of the early 2010s, but it’s also a highly affordable place to live in Ohio. There’s a charming downtown area, employment opportunities with big-name companies like Ford and Procter & Gamble, and plenty to do.

Population: 34,977

Median Household Income: $37,668

Cost of Living: 86.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $900

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.39

Average Property Tax: 1.28%

Housing Affordability: The median rent in Lima is $900 a month, a slight bump over last year. The market is warming, but prospective first-time homebuyers can still find affordable housing. The median home price in Lima is $165,390.

5. Marietta

Photo credit: iStock/Ralph Navarro

Located at the intersection of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, Marietta is on the border of West Virginia. If you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy living here — National Geographic named the city “One of the Best Places to Live” and “Best Adventure Town.” Marietta is filled with history, has a charming downtown area, and boasts miles of hiking and biking trails along with kayaking and boating.

Population: 13,178

Median Household Income: $40,798

Cost of Living: 89.7% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,350

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.45

Average Property Tax: 0.99%

Housing Affordability: Rent costs are higher in Marietta than the other four most affordable places to live in Ohio. In fact, year-over-year, rental prices have gone up by nearly $500, and rental demand is growing. The median purchase price for a new home is still far below most other cities in Ohio at $181,482, but the home price-to-income ratio indicates that it’s more expensive to buy a home here than the other four areas on our list. For those looking to buy in Marietta, these tips to qualify for a mortgage may be helpful.

Best Places to Live in Ohio for Families

Families moving to Ohio will want to consider several factors when choosing a home: affordability, schools, and things to do chief among them. Here are five of the best places to live in Ohio for families:

1. Mason

Photo credit: Wikipedia/Nyttend

A suburb of Cincinnati, Mason is just a short drive away from the downtown area, where you can catch Reds, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati games. Cincinnati’s revitalized Over-the-Rhine area offers plenty of restaurants, activities, and parks, and Mason itself is home to many great places for families to visit. It’s also just a few miles from Kings Island, a premier amusement park in Ohio.

Population: 35,520

Median Household Income: $110,833

Cost of Living: 92% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,067

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 2.47

Average Property Tax: 1.59%

Housing Affordability: Mason rental prices are extremely high, though they’re down compared to last year and the market is cooling. Given the high median household income in Mason, many residents may prefer to own their homes — and prices are affordable for typical salaries in Mason. The home price-to-income ratio is just 2.47.

2. Oakwood

Source: Flickr /Blake Bolinger

A quiet, walkable suburb of Dayton, the town is known for its stunning older homes. Families flock to it in part because it’s the number-one school district in the Dayton area.

Population: 9,413

Median Household Income: $126,713

Cost of Living: 91% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $967

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 2.67

Average Property Tax: 2.19%

Housing Affordability: Houses in Oakwood are expensive ($338,000 is the median transaction price), but the city is one of the best in the Dayton area for families. To make it more affordable, consider renting. Median rent is just $967 a month, and the market is cooling.

3. Sandusky

Photo credit: iStock/Big Joe

Sandusky is great for families who like outdoor adventures. Famously, the city is home to Cedar Point, one of the world’s biggest amusement parks, and it also has a water park. Plus, Sandusky is right on Lake Erie, so there are endless water activities for families to enjoy.

Population: 24,526

Median Household Income: $42,140

Cost of Living: 91% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,000

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.97

Average Property Tax: 1.42%

Housing Affordability: Housing is expensive in Sandusky compared to the typical median household income. If you’re renting, prepare to spend $1,000 a month. Prospective buyers can expect median home prices of around $210,000, and they may want to explore the different types of mortgage loans available to find the best option for their circumstances.

4. Marietta

Photo credit: iStock/ChrisBoswell

Marietta is not only one of the most affordable places to live in Ohio, it’s also one of the best places in the state to live if you’re raising a family. The town offers a strong sense of community, and its affordability factor is great for bigger families. Marietta even has its own college.

Population: 13,178

Median Household Income: $40,798

Cost of Living: 86% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,350

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.45

Average Property Tax: 0.99%

Housing Affordability: While Marietta is an affordable small town, its desirability and location have made housing prices somewhat high. Median rent is $1,350 a month, and buying a new home costs roughly $181,500.

5. Westerville

Photo credit: iStock/TrentGarverick

Westerville, just north of Columbus, is considered one of the best places to live in Ohio — especially for families. It offers access to the city’s amenities with a quieter, suburban feel. On weekends, there’s plenty for families to do in Columbus, such as exploring the CoSi museum.

Population: 38,466

Median Household Income: $96,279

Cost of Living: 92% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,850

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.16

Average Property Tax: 1.94%

Housing Affordability: Columbus can be an expensive place to live, but Westerville offers proximity at a much more affordable price. Because rent can be high, buying a home here may be a better option.

Best Places to Live in Ohio for Young Adults

Those looking for a place to live in Ohio with a more active social scene and better job opportunities will likely want to stick with the bigger cities. However, young adults may want to explore the suburbs, too, to see if they can save on housing costs. These are some of the best places to live in Ohio for young adults.

1. Cincinnati

Photo credit: iStock/Jeremy Poland

The median age in Cincinnati is just under 33, and no wonder. The city is home to several major professional sports teams, plus a busy downtown with restaurants, bars, breweries, and plenty to do. Major companies like Kroger and Procter & Gamble are headquartered here, so job opportunities abound. Just across the Ohio River is charming Covington, Kentucky, with plenty of hiking and outdoor activities nearby.

Population: 309,513

Median Household Income: $45,235

Cost of Living: 96.4% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,299

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.91

Average Property Tax: 1.81%

Housing Affordability: Cincinnati’s rent is on the higher side, but you may be able to find lower rates if you look in suburbs like Norwood and Mount Auburn. The home price-to-income ratio is also quite high, but with ample employment opportunities, young professionals might find better-paying jobs in Cincinnati, allowing them to afford more expensive houses.

2. Dayton

Photo credit: iStock/Nicholas Smith

It’s known as the birthplace of aviation (the Wright Brothers were born here), and Dayton is still flying high. Recent college grads can look for jobs at the Air Force base or with major employers like Reynolds & Reynolds. The social scene is active, too, especially in the downtown Oregon District. Young adults are clearly drawn to Dayton: the city’s median age is 33.5.

Population: 135,944

Median Household Income: $37,536

Cost of Living: 94.1% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $925

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 2.92

Average Property Tax: 2.19%

Housing Affordability: Housing is moderately priced in Dayton, but the area’s lower median household income could make it challenging to buy a home. Rent prices are $925 a month, which is down $75 year-over-year, though the market is warming up. Consider looking in affordable Dayton suburbs, including Kettering, Fairborn, and Miamisburg.

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3. Columbus

Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone

The capital of Ohio is known for its college football team and thriving downtown, with great restaurants, museums, music venues, and more. For graduates of The Ohio State University, Columbus can be a great place to find a job — employers include JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide, and Honda — and build a life. Many younger people do just that: The city’s median age is 32.5.

Population: 907,971

Median Household Income: $58,575

Cost of Living: 89.7% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,445

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.70

Average Property Tax: 1.74%

Housing Affordability: There’s no way around it: Columbus is expensive, with a home price-to-income ratio of 7.70. A more affordable option is to consider a suburb like Huber Ridge or Grove City.

4. Cleveland

Photo credit: iStock/Ralph Navarro

This bustling city has three major sports teams, sits right on Lake Erie, and is close to a beautiful national park with plenty of hiking and other activities. The downtown area offers great nightlife options for young adults, and the Cleveland Clinic is a major medical employer in the city.

Population: 361,607

Median Household Income: $33,678

Cost of Living: 93.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,100

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 1.30

Average Property Tax: 2.41%

Housing Affordability: While the median rent in Cleveland is pricey at $1,100, buying a house may be attainable for young adults. The median home price in the city is $217,909. And there are affordable suburbs like Berea and Bedford that may give you even more for your money, making them some of the best places to live in Cleveland, Ohio.

5. Toledo

Photo credit: iStock/Davel5957

It has the usual big-city amenities like good restaurants, bars, and music venues. But Toledo also offers local museums, colleges (the University of Toledo and Bowling Green), and easy access to nearby Sandusky and Cedar Point, as well as Detroit. Young adults will have plenty of company: The city’s average age is 35.5.

Population: 266,301

Median Household Income: $41,671

Cost of Living: 90% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $825

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 1.47

Average Property Tax: 1.99%

Housing Affordability: Renters and buyers will find opportunities here. Toledo offers low rent prices (a median of $825 a month), though the market is heating up. And the median home price is just below $179,000.

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Best Places to Live in Ohio for Retirees

1. Centerville

Source: centervilleohio.gov

A quiet suburb of Dayton, Centerville is a great place for retirees to live. Nearly 30% of the population is 65 or older, and the city has plenty of restaurants and stores. Those who like to travel will appreciate Centerville’s close distance to the airport (just a 30-minute drive).

Population: 25,156

Median Household Income: $76,565

Cost of Living: 90% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,850

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.11

Average Property Tax: 2.19%

Housing Affordability: Retirees should be prepared to pay quite a bit for housing in Centerville. As one of Dayton’s nicest suburbs, it commands a median home price of nearly $315,000. Rental prices are also high ($1,850 monthly median). However, nearby suburbs like Kettering are more affordable.

2. Bellefontaine

Source: Flickr/David Wilson , Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License

Bellefontaine (pronounced “bell fountain”) is close to Indian Lake, a 5,100-acre lake with beaches and lots of recreational activities. Retirees can look for lakefront property or simply visit the lake for boating, jet skiing, or fishing. Best of all, housing costs in Bellefontaine are on the lower end compared to other top Ohio cities for retirees.

Population: 14,077

Median Household Income: $54,375

Cost of Living: 85% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $805

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.03

Average Property Tax: 1.14%

Housing Affordability: The monthly median rent in Bellefontaine is just $805, a notable drop from last year. The median price for a home is just over $219,000. However, retirees in the market for lakefront properties should expect to pay a lot more.

3. The Village of Indian Hill

Source: https://indianhill.gov/council/mayors-court/

A wealthy suburb of Cincinnati, The Village of Indian Hill has beautiful homes and lots of restaurants and parks. More than a quarter of the population is 65 or older, and it’s just a short drive to the city center.

Population: 6,015

Median Household Income: $194,643

Cost of Living: 112% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $5,500

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 9.24

Average Property Tax: 1.81%

Housing Affordability: If you’ve worked hard to accumulate wealth to fund your golden years, the Village of Indian Hill is a luxurious spot to retire. The median home price is roughly $1.8 million, though you can find houses in the area that are less expensive. If you’re house hunting in Indian Hill, jumbo mortgage loans may be one option to explore.

4. Yellow Springs

Photo credit: iStock/StanRohrer

This artsy suburb of Dayton is known for its “hippy” vibes, delicious restaurants, and shopping. The downtown area is small, but it’s surrounded by nature, including parks with hiking paths.

Population: 3,750

Median Household Income: $59,391

Cost of Living: N/A

Median Rent Price: $1,650

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.42

Average Property Tax: 1.86%

Housing Affordability: The median rent in Yellow Springs is $1,650 a month, and home prices also tend to be high at more than $320,000 median. But retirees may be able to find more affordable homes outside the downtown area with plenty of land.

5. Avon Lake

Source: Wikipedia/Robert Chriss, CCreative Commons, ShareAlike 3.0

A charming suburb of Cleveland, Avon Lake is situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Retirees will enjoy the quiet suburban atmosphere with its access to shopping and restaurants, and close proximity to downtown Cleveland.

Population: 25,617

Median Household Income: $95,121

Cost of Living: 96% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,065

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.63

Average Property Tax: 1.67%

Housing Affordability: Rentals and homes are expensive in Avon Lake. The median rent is more than $2,000 a month, and home prices are about $345,000. That’s probably why the area’s median household income is more than $95,000. Getting preapproved for a loan could be helpful; buyers can learn about the mortgage preapproval process.

Best Places to Live in Ohio Near the Water

Ohio doesn’t offer access to the ocean or mountains, but it borders one of the Great Lakes and has plenty of smaller lakes and rivers to explore. These are some of the top locations in the state to live near the water.

1. Sandusky

Photo credit: iStock/Big Joe

Located on the shore of Lake Erie, Sandusky is home to Cedar Point, the large and highly popular amusement park on a peninsula that juts out into the lake. That makes it one of the best places in Ohio to live near the water.

Population: 24,526

Median Household Income: $42,140

Cost of Living: 88% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,000

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.97

Average Property Tax: 1.42%

Housing Affordability: Sandusky homes tend to be expensive compared to residents’ median household income; the home price-to-income ratio is 4.97. Renters may have an easier time — the median rent is $1,000 a month.

2. Cleveland

Photo credit: iStock/drnadig

Cleveland is a city built on the coast of Lake Erie. It’s also just north of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Cuyahoga River. Paddling the river in a kayak or canoe is a fun way to enjoy this area.

Population: 361,607

Median Household Income: $33,678

Cost of Living: 93.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,100

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 1.30

Average Property Tax: 2.41%

Housing Affordability: Housing is quite affordable in Cleveland, especially for a big city. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.30. Renters should be prepared to spend about $1,100 a month, with the market heating up.

3. Cincinnati

Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone

This vibrant city on the Ohio River offers stunning views of the water from the Great American Ballpark and Paycor Stadium. Spend an afternoon strolling along the river, or head to Eden Park for a breathtaking vantage point.

Population: 309,513

Median Household Income: $45,235

Cost of Living: 96.4% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,299

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.91

Average Property Tax: 1.81%

Housing Affordability: Cincinnati is a relatively expensive city in Ohio to live in. Median rent is nearly $1,300, and the city made headlines for leading the country in rent increases in 2023. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.91.

4. Celina

Source: Wikipedia/Christopher L. Riley , Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
International

Celina is northwest of Dayon and approximately 50 miles from the Indiana border. The town is situated on Grand Lake Saint Marys, the largest inland lake in Ohio, and even has a lighthouse.

Population: 10,881

Median Household Income: $53,601

Cost of Living: N/A

Median Rent Price: $895

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.36

Average Property Tax: $1.2%

Housing Affordability: Celina offers quiet and fairly affordable lakeside living. Rent here is just under $900, though it’s up year-over-year. Homes are around $234,000 for those looking to buy.

5. Bellefontaine

Source: Wikipedia/Ben Turover , Creative Commons Attribution- Share Alike 3.0 license

Bellefontaine is a short drive from Indian Lake, a popular spot for boating, water sports, and swimming. The town isn’t too far from Columbus and Dayton, in case residents occasionally crave a trip to the city.

Population: 14,077

Median Household Income: $54,375

Cost of Living: 85% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $805

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.03

Average Property Tax: 1.14%

Housing Affordability: The median rent in Bellefontaine is $805 a month, and it’s trending down from last year. Purchasing a house is also within reach; the median price is about $219,000.

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The Takeaway

If you’re thinking about moving to Ohio or relocating within the state, there are plenty of great locations to choose from, including the best places in Ohio for families, young adults, and retirees.

Before you settle down, be sure to investigate such factors as job prospects, entertainment, safety, schools, and commuting time. Fortunately, Ohio offers many affordable towns for those looking to purchase a home.

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FAQ

What is the best city in Ohio 2023?

The best city in Ohio depends on your preferences. Sports fans will like Cincinnati and Cleveland, both of which have several professional athletic teams. Dayton is great for history buffs (the Wright Brothers are from the city), and Columbus has plenty to do as the capital of the state.

Where is the nicest place to live in Ohio?

Ohio has several nice places to live. If you’re looking for an urban vibe, you’ll appreciate cities like Cincinnati, Dayton, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, and Akron. If you prefer a smaller town, places like Youngstown, Yellow Springs, and Sandusky offer plenty to do and can be quite affordable.

Is Ohio the most affordable state to live in?

While Ohio is an affordable place to live, it is not the most affordable. Currently, Mississippi has the lowest cost of living of any U.S. state.

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