Want Ohio’s blend of city convenience and small-town charm without Cleveland prices? You don’t have to give up on the dream. You can afford a home in the Buckeye State if you know where to look.
Your perfect home could be a family-friendly house in Youngstown or a starter home in Warren, one of Ohio’s strongest automotive manufacturing hub. If you’re retiring, consider homes for sale in Toledo to enjoy affordable waterfront living along Lake Erie.
After reviewing hundreds of cities, we’ve ranked the 10 most affordable places to live in Ohio to help you find a home that fits your budget.
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Key Takeaways
- Steubenville is the most affordable city: Youngstown’s cost of living is 10% lower than the state average. With a median home price of $97,500, it is the cheapest place to live in Florida.
- Youngstown is the best city for young professionals: Ranked as the #2 hottest job market in the country, Youngstown is a prime spot to build a career.
- For families, Akorn is a great choice: With top-notch schools, safe neighborhoods, and low child-rearing costs, Palatka is an ideal place to raise a family on a budget.
- Retirees should consider Toledo: Retirees can enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle, with homes typically ranging from $325,000 to $345,000.
- Don’t forget Ohio’s “local income tax”: Ohio has an additional municipal income tax of 1% to 2.5% that you need to look out for.
Cheapest Places to Live in Ohio in 2026
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to State Average | Affordability Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Steubenville | $97,500 | $746 | 10% ⬇️ | 8.2 |
| 2. Niles | $136,000 | $877 | 12% ⬇️ | 7.8 |
| 3. Mansfield | $159,000 | $873 | 10% ⬇️ | 7.4 |
| 4. Ashtabula | $183,590 | $663 | 3% ⬇️ | 7.4 |
| 5. Youngstown | $113,475 | $1,015 | 1% ⬇️ | 7.2 |
| 6. Canton | $147,200 | $997 | 6% ⬇️ | 7.2 |
| 7. Warren | $152,000 | $917 | 2% ⬇️ | 7.2 |
| 8. Toledo | $148,000 | $971 | 6% ⬆️ | 6.9 |
| 9. Akron | $145,000 | $1,107 | 7% ⬇️ | 6.9 |
| 10. Sandusky | $175,000 | $1,226 | 2% ⬆️ | 5.9 |
How We Ranked the Most Affordable Places to Live in Ohio
To identify the cheap places to live in Ohio, we carried out an in-depth analysis using multiple reliable data sources and indicators of affordability.
Data Sources:
- Median Home Prices: We used Houzeo’s Ohio Housing Market report and double-checked the numbers with the data from Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA).
- Median Rent: We got the rent data from C2ER, which publishes the national Cost of Living Index. This was verified every few months to make sure it’s accurate.
- Overall Cost of Living: We covered 6 big spending categories— housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods— from C2ER and Houzeo’s Cost of Living in Ohio Calculator. We then compared everything to the U.S. average of 100.
We studied housing data from 2022 to 2025 to identify cities that remained affordable over time, not just during short dips in prices. Furthermore, each city’s data was also cross-checked with HUD and state economic reports.
All our information is up to date as of 2025, ensuring you receive the most current insights.
Affordability Scoring:
We built a simple scoring system that focuses on what really matters:
- Median Home Price (40%)
- Median Rent (35%)
- Cost of Living (25%)
This way, we can clearly show which Ohio cities give you the best value for your money. You can also check out our score breakdown to see how each city was ranked.
Image credits: All blog images are sourced from Freepik.
10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Ohio
Steubenville
- Median house rent is 0 | Rental prices range between $450 and $1,300.
- Median home value of Steubenville is 3,383.
- Cost of living in Steubenville is 25.8% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Steubenville, OH: 43952 | 43953
Steubenville offers affordable living with a median rent of 0, which makes it one of the cheapest cities in Ohio to rent. Monthly utilities also cost 74.2% lower than the national average. In addition, Lasting Impressions and ALIVE are major employers in the city.
» Steubenville Homes for Sale: Find homes with the cheapest rent in Ohio.
Youngstown
- Median house rent is 0 | Rental prices range between $600 and $2,940.
- Median home value of Youngstown is ,226.
- Cost of living in Youngstown is 25.6% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Youngstown, OH: 44509 | 44505 | 44511
Youngstown’s average home rent is 0, significantly lower than the national median. Transportation also costs 25.6% less. Notable attractions in Youngstown include The Fellows Riverside Gardens and The Butler Institute of American Art. Youngstown also stands out as the fifth-largest steel maker in the U.S., with Sheet and Tube being renowned sectors.
» Youngtown Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the most cost-effective places to live in Ohio.
Niles
- Median house rent is 5 | Rental prices range between $500 and $2,500.
- Median home value of Niles is 1,573.
- Cost of living in Niles is 25.2% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Niles, OH: 44446 | 44026
Niles is one of the most budget-friendly places with groceries 6.6% more affordable than the national median. The city offers its residents a variety of attractions, such as museums, mountains, and top-notch golf courses. For job seekers, companies like Marc’s and CadenceCareNetwork are prominent employers.
» Niles Homes for Sale: Find cheap homes in towns and cities in Ohio.
Toledo
- Median house rent is 5 | Rental prices range between $400 and $3,084.
- Median home value of Toledo is 1,511.
- Cost of living in Toledo is 22.6% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Toledo, OH: 43612 | 43613 | 43607
Toledo is one of the most affordable cities in Ohio. Healthcare expenses are also 9.4% lower than the national average. Moreover, the city is a significant hub for the automotive industry. For the culturally inclined, Toledo offers spots like the Toledo Museum of Art and Wildwood Manor House.
» Toledo Homes for Sale: Find cheap homes in towns and cities in Ohio.
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Akron
- Median house rent is $1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 | Rental prices range between $345 and $99,999.
- Median home value of Akron is 2,396.
- Cost of living in Akron is 19.2% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Akron, OH: 44312 | 44306 | 44305
Healthcare expenses are 12.8% below the national average in Akron, which makes it a great place for retirees. Housing also costs 73.6% less on average than nationwide. The presence of major employers like GOJO Industries and FirstEnergy also makes the city attractive to job seekers.
» Akron Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of properties in one of the best and cheapest places to live in Ohio.
Sandusky
- Median house rent is $1,263,263,263,263,263,263,263,263 | Rental prices range between $775 and $2,160.
- Median home value of Sandusky is 8,903.
- Cost of living in Sandusky is 23% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Sandusky, OH: 44870 | 43351 | 44691
At 74.8% lower than the US average, Sandusky offers highly affordable housing. You can sustain yourself comfortably with an average annual income of ,375. Moreover, the city is known as the ‘Best Coastal Small Town’ in America. With employers like Encore Plastics and K&K Interiors, the city also offers several job opportunities.
» Sandusky Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Ohio.
Canton
- Median house rent is 5 | Rental prices range between $435 and $3,000.
- Median home value of Canton is 1,184.
- Cost of living in Canton is 21.3% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Canton, OH: 44720 | 44708 | 44709
Canton is one of the cheapest cities to live in Ohio. The monthly expenditure on food for an individual amounts to 9. Additionally, transportation in the city costs 26.4% lower than the national average. Companies like EMP Holdings and TimkenSteel offer a wealth of job options.
» Canton Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in the cheapest cities to live in Ohio.
Ashtabula
- Median house rent is 0 | Rental prices range between $725 and $1,500.
- Median home value of Ashtabula is 2,368.
- Cost of living in Ashtabula is 26.5% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Ashtabula, OH: 44004 | 45011
With a median home price of 2K, Ashtabula is one of the most affordable cities in Ohio. The city boasts transportation costs that are 35.8% lower than the national average. This makes it easier to save money on gas or public transportation passes. Besides, the city is home to major companies Zales and Chromaflo Technologies.
» Ashtabula Homes for Sale: Explore the cheapest houses in Ohio.
Mansfield
- Median house rent is 0 | Rental prices range between $400 and $2,288.
- Median home value of Mansfield is 7,654.
- Cost of living in Mansfield is 24.1% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Mansfield, OH: 44903 | 44906 | 44907
The cost of living in Mansfield is 24.1% lower than the national average, and housing is 74.6% less. Proximity to major cities like Columbus and Cleveland provides abundant career opportunities. Adena and Ulton are major employers, and contribute to the city’s strong job market.
» Mansfield Homes for Sale: Search homes in one of the cheapest cities to live in Ohio.
Warren
- Median house rent is 0 | Rental prices range between $125 and $25,000.
- Median home value of Warren is 2,820.
- Cost of living in Warren is 25.2% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Warren, OH: 44484 | 44483 | 44481
Warren is one of the cheapest places to rent in Ohio with an average home rent of 0. It also offers affordable transportation at 22.6% lower than the state average. Avalon Holdings and AVI Foodsystems are two top employers in the city. It is also known for its amusement parks, museums, and natural beauty.
» Warren Homes for Sale: Find the cheapest city to live in Ohio.
3 Hidden Costs to Consider in Ohio
Even in the cheapest Ohio cities to live in, home prices are only part of the cost. So, factor in the high utility and property taxes along with the local income tax when looking for the cheapest area to live in Ohio.
- Property Taxes: Ohio has some of the highest property taxes in the Midwest, often ranging from 1.2% to 2.5% of a home’s assessed value.
- Local Income Taxes: Many Ohio cities charge an additional municipal income tax of 1% to 2.5%. Residents who live in one city and work in another may owe taxes in both (with partial credits).
- Utility Costs: Ohio’s older housing stock and long winters push utility expenses higher than average. Heating bills can reach $150–$300 per month in winter, and water/sewer fees in cities like Akron and Toledo tend to be above national norms.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Ohio?
If you want to move to Ohio, you will find cheap houses for sale in Ohio under 150K in cities like Youngstown, Niles, and Ashtabula. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other Ohio cities.
To make your search easier, use Houzeo, Ohio’s best home-buying website. Browse up-to-date listings, filter by budget, and make offers online in just a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive place to live in Ohio?
The cheapest place to live in Ohio is Ashtabula. It offers affordable amenities and utilities which are 26.5% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Ohio: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Ohio.
Where is the best place to live in Ohio?
The best place to live in Ohio is Columbus, followed by Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, Youngstown, Dayton, Delaware, Dublin, Hudson, and Worthington.
Is Ohio expensive to live in?
Yes, it is. The median home value is $230,250. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing in Ohio and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Which Ohio city has the lowest cost of living?
Ashtabula has the lowest cost of living, which is 26.5% and 11.1% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
