
Dublin is one of the most financially successful and innovative cities in Ohio, given to employers like Cardinal Health and Nestlé, as well as a growing tech sector. Dublin's award-winning schools, safe neighborhoods, and beautiful parks combine suburban comfort with economic strength. With a median household income of over $150,000, this city attracts professionals seeking luxurious living. Additionally, the Bridge Park district's walkability adds an urban touch of vibrancy to this community.
$554,500
$2,100
Median Home Rent
Dublin's Best Neighborhoods:

Delaware is one of Ohio's fastest-growing cities. Residents of Ohio enjoy the small-town charm along with access to the metropolitan region of Columbus. Strong job markets in the fields of education, healthcare, logistics, and government support Delaware's strong economy. This city is home to Ohio Wesleyan University. Top-rated schools, a historic downtown, and a welcoming suburban atmosphere attract families and professionals. Moreover, with an evenly-paced economic growth and a close-knit community, Delaware is one of the best cities in Ohio to live in.
$519,900
$2,150
Median Home Rent
Delaware's Best Neighborhoods:

Worthington is one of the most historic suburbs in central Ohio. The heritage, walkability, and suburban comfort this city offers make it a desired location for residents. Over 98% of Worthington's residents hold a high school diploma, making the city popular for its academic commitment. This city hosts top-rated schools, a village-style downtown, and easy access to the metro city of Columbus. Families and professionals seeking stability and high-quality living seek residence in Worthington. Its tree-lined neighborhoods, local market, and traditions create a timeless small-town environment.
$479,000
$1,631
Median Home Rent
Worthington's Best Neighborhoods:

Hudson is a beautiful mix of historic New England-style charm with modern amenities. Set between Cleveland and Akron, this city hosts top-rated schools, a happening downtown, and good opportunities in healthcare, education, and corporate services. With median household incomes over $180,000, Hudson attracts individuals and families looking for a premium lifestyle. The reserved green spaces, interesting cultural events, and community lifestyle make Hudson one of the most prestigious places to live in Ohio.
$450,000
$2,750
Median Home Rent
Hudson's Best Neighborhoods:

Cincinnati is a modern metro that blends historic charm with economic strength. The city is known for its extensive hills, riverfront districts, and stunning architecture. Sectors like finance, healthcare, consumer goods, and higher education are major drivers of Cincinnati's economy. The city hosts Fortune 500 companies like Kroger and Procter & Gamble and offers a median income of around $60,000. In addition to that, Cincinnati offers neighborhoods characterized by culture and sports enthusiasm, which make it one of the best cities to live in Ohio.
$275,000
$1,499
Median Home Rent
Cincinnati's Best Neighborhoods:

Columbus is the capital of Ohio and the state's largest city. More than 933,000 residents call this city their home. Cultural vibrancy and strong economic growth drive this city alongside the youthful energy of The Ohio State University. Prominent employers like Nationwide and Cardinal Health support a stable and diverse job market. Given its central location, Columbus sits within 600 miles of 60% of the US population. The vibrant arts districts, walkable neighborhoods, and growing innovation centers continue to make Columbus one of the best places to live in Ohio.
$265,210
$1,495
Median Home Rent
Columbus's Best Neighborhoods:

Known for being the birthplace of the Wright brothers, Dayton continues its aviation legacy as an important center for aerospace, defense, and engineering. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is one of the region's largest employers. It supports a strong local economy by driving growth in research and development, healthcare, and manufacturing. Dayton has the largest bikeway network in the United States, with 340+ miles of paved, multi-use trails. A median income of around $57,000, alongside affordable home values, prove Dayton to be a cost-effective and stable place to live.
$169,900
$995
Median Home Rent
Dayton's Best Neighborhoods:

From being an industrial powerhouse to becoming a leading center for healthcare, biotechnology, and the arts, Cleveland is a city that has witnessed major transformation. This city offers top-notch career opportunities in medicine, engineering, and research. It hosts the Cleveland Clinic, which is one of the world's top hospitals. To promote hiking, biking, boating, and outdoor recreation, the "Emerald Necklace" (Cleveland's Metroparks system) provides miles of trails and lakefront access. Cultural landmarks like University Circle, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a revitalized downtown make Cleveland one of the most popular cities in Ohio.
$139,900
$1,211
Median Home Rent
Cleveland's Best Neighborhoods:

Ohio's most compelling comeback stories include that of Youngstown's resurgence. This city was once known as a steel powerhouse. Today, it has reinvented itself with growth in the field of education, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and technology. The Youngstown State University acts as a major driving force in building an innovation-driven, modern economy. This city has budget-friendly median home values that attract residents seeking affordability and opportunity. A close-knit community, a fast-growing entrepreneurial environment, and a revitalized Downtown Youngstown make this city one of the best places to live in Ohio.
$129,000
$950
Median Home Rent
Youngstown's Best Neighborhoods:

The Glass City of Toledo is a hub for solar energy, modern manufacturing, and automotive ideation. This city is home to employers such as First Solar, Dana Incorporated, and Mercy Health. Toledo is located along Lake Erie, near Maumee Bay. This makes waterfront recreation activities a regular possibility. The city's cultural interest is highlighted by the internationally recognized Toledo Museum of Art, a symphony orchestra, and an opera. With a median income of about $50,000 and affordable median home sale prices, Toledo proves to be a cost-effective city for families and young professionals.
$107,900
$983
Median Home Rent
Toledo's Best Neighborhoods:
If you're searching for cities that balance lower home prices with a reasonable cost of living, these communities are a great place to start. They offer dependable job access, everyday essentials, and housing options that fit a wide range of budgets. For more choices, explore our full list of the most affordable places to live in Ohio.
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs. State Avg. | Affordability Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youngstown | $113475 | $995 | 7.2/10 | |
| Niles | $136000 | $895 | 7.8/10 | |
| Toledo | $148000 | $975 | 6.9/10 | |
| Steubenville | $97500 | $750 | 8.2/10 | |
| Akron | $145000 | $1056 | 6.9/10 |
Safety is a top priority for many people relocating within Ohio. These cities consistently rank among the safest, based on the latest FBI crime data, reporting lower rates of violent and property crime than the statewide average. You can explore the complete rankings in our guide to the safest places to live in Ohio.
To determine the best places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified economic and housing datasets. Our analysis incorporates employment levels and job stability (Bureau of Labor Statistics), cost-of-living benchmarks (C2ER), median home prices and average rents (Houzeo housing data), and income statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Each factor was normalized against its respective state average to control for regional cost differences and market size. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final comparative score, highlighting cities where income levels align more favorably with housing costs, employment conditions remain stable, and overall affordability is stronger relative to the state baseline.
Best Places to Live in ohio
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