High quality education, affordable housing, and excellent healthcare have motivated more than 200,000 people to move to Ohio. But it’s not that easy for everyone. With a median home price of 234K, Ohio can be expensive.
Should that stop you from moving to the Buckeye State? Absolutely NOT!
Cities like Steubenville and Niles offer several budget-friendly options. While Steubenville offers the cost of living 25.8% lower than the national average, the median home price in Niles is $122K.
Whether you’re a retiree or a young professional looking for exciting opportunities, Ohio has affordable housing for everyone. Let’s explore some of the cheapest places to live in Ohio!
4 Reasons to live in Ohio 🌊
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Ohio is ~$234K but you can get houses between $61K and $150K in cities like Youngstown, Steubenville, and Canton.
- Tax Benefits: Ohio’s standard monthly deduction amount is $592 for a single taxpayer.
- Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare in cities that are listed below is up to 5% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the national average. You can save up to $483 per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Ohio in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youngstown | $34,295 | $61,036 | 59,620 | 5.2% | 34.5% |
| Niles | $48,860 | $122,811 | 18,321 | 4.2% | 13.3% |
| Toledo | $45,405 | $124,509 | 265,468 | 4.8% | 24.6% |
| Steubenville | $42,725 | $125,113 | 17,777 | 5.4% | 27.9% |
| Akron | $46,596 | $136,177 | 187,724 | 3.6% | 22.7% |
| Sandusky | $47,375 | $140,390 | 24,306 | 3.4% | 20.5% |
| Canton | $37,627 | $163,829 | 69,716 | 3.5% | 30.2% |
| Ashtabula | $39,053 | $145,263 | 17,785 | 5.2% | 32.7% |
| Mansfield | $40,996 | $138,815 | 47,711 | 5.4% | 25.04% |
| Warren | $33,296 | $114,296 | 38,751 | 4.7% | 35.05% |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Ohio
The annual population growth of 1.9% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to Ohio. If you’re considering shifting to Ohio, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Youngstown
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 25.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $61,036 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $950 |
| ⚙️ Known For | Youngstown Sheet and Tubey |
In Youngstown, the average home rent is $950, significantly lower than Bentleyville’s $1,790. It also offers affordable food, health care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities at prices that are 25.6% lower than the national average.
Some notable attractions in Youngstown include The Fellows Riverside Gardens, The Butler Institute of American Art, and Lanterman’s Mill. Youngstown Sheet and Tube, a renowned steel industry, stands out as the fifth-largest steel maker in the U.S.
Moreover, the city is home to major employers such as MS Consultants and Radiology Consultants. This offers ample job opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Youngtown, OH: Find your dream home in one of the most cost effective places to live in Ohio.
2. Niles
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 25.2%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $122,811 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $835 |
| 🏫 Known For | McKinley Birthplace Memorial |
Niles is one of the most budget-friendly rental destinations in Ohio with an average home rent ranging from $575 – $1,050. It also offers affordable grocery which is 6.6% lower than the national average.
Situated in Lucas County, Niles is a charming and inviting city renowned for its ethnic diversity. 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 offers job in the city. They are well known and prestigious in Niles.
» Homes for Sale in Niles, OH: Find cheap homes in towns and cities in Ohio.
3. Toledo
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 22.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $124,509 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $950 |
| 🥂 Known For | Libbey Glass Factory |
With rental costs being 22.6% below the national average, Toledo is one of the most affordable cities in Ohio. The house rent price is between $285 – $2,600.
Toledo is famed for being a significant hub for automotive industry development. The city boasts major employers like Tsl Ltd and Owens Corning, creating ample job opportunities. Moreover, enthusiasts who seek breathtaking views can explore captivating spots like the Toledo Museum of Art and Wildwood Manor House for an enriching experience.
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4. Steubenville
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 25.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $125,113 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $694 |
| 🎨 Known For | Moses Fleetwood Walker Mural |
Steubenville offers affordable living with a median rent of $694, which is makes it one of the most affordable places to live in Ohio. With monthly utilities costs being 26% lower than the national average, this city is budget-friendly among other cities of Ohio.
Steubenville, nicknamed the “City of Murals,” boasts more than 25 downtown murals. The Steubenville Airport offers 24/7 services to 1,000+ destinations worldwide. Additionally, major employers like Lasting Impressions and ALIVE contribute to the city’s strong job market.
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5. Akron
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 19.2%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $136,177 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $999 |
| 🚗 Known For | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company |
Known as the “Rubber Capital of the World,” Akron’s healthcare cost is 12.8% lower than the national average. Renting in Akron comes at a median cost of $999, notably less than the $1,976 average in Powell.
Akron’s overall facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in the US. Local families can share a delightful experience by traveling in areas including Canal Park, Kent State University Museum, and Akron Children’s Museum. Apart from this, city offer many job opportunities with companies like GOJO Industries and FirstEnergy.
» Homes for Sale in Akron, OH: Browse through thousands of properties in best and cheapest places to live.
6. Sandusky
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 23%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $140,390 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,129 |
| 🎢 Known For | Cedar Point |
The median house rent in Sandusky is between $600 – $3,000. With an average household income of $47,375, you can comfortably live in this city.
Sandusky has been honored as the ‘Best Coastal Small Town’ in America. This is also home to Cedar Point, a world-class amusement park Cedar Point. It is Ohio’s Water Park Capital due to the popularity of year-round indoor water park resorts. Also, city is famous for its employment. Two major employers in the city are Encore Plastics and K&K Interiors.
» Homes for Sale in Sandusky, OH: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Ohio.
7. Canton
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 21.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $163,829 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $995 |
| ⚽ Known For | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
Canton is one of the best places to live in Ohio with a slight year-over-year median home price growth of 7.6% in June 2023. The median home price in Canton is $163,829.
Canton boasts overall expenses 21.3% below the national average. Residents who are into reading can explore McKinley Presidential Library. You can also visit the Canton Classic Car Museum and savor the vineyard delights at Gervasi Vineyard. Apart from this, with companies like EMP Holdings and TimkenSteel, the city offers a wealth of job options.
» Homes for Sale in Canton, OH: Get yourself a home in cheapest cities to live in Ohio.
8. Ashtabula
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 26.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $145,263 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $975 |
| 🎨Known For | Ashtabula Maritime Museum |
With the median home price of $145K, 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.
Ashtabula presents a compelling option for those who are seeking jobs. The city offers ample of job opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Some of the top companies in Ashtabula are Zales and Chromaflo Technologies.
» Homes for Sale in Ashtabula, OH: Search homes in places with lowest cost of living in Ohio.
9. Mansfield
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 24.1%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $138,815 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $850 |
| 🎨Known For | Richland Carrousel Park |
The cost of living in Mansfield is 24.1% lower than the national average. This means that your overall expenses are expected to be less than the US average. Housings costs in Mansfield are also 74.6% less.
Moreover, the city is also has access to major cities like Columbus and Cleveland for some career opportunities. Adena and Ulton, along with other major employers, contribute to the city’s abundant job options.
» Homes for Sale in Mansfield, OH: Search homes in one of the cheapest city to live in Ohio.
10. Warren
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 25.2%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $114,296 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $800 |
| 🎨Known For | National Packard Museum |
Warren is one of the cheapest place to rent in Ohio with an average home rent of $800. It also offers affordable transportation, which is 22.6% lower than the state average.
Avalon Holdings and AVI Foodsystems are tow top employers in the city. Apart from this, the city is known for amusement parks, museums, and natural beauty.
» Homes for Sale in Warren, OH: Find cheap houses in Ohio.
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The Bottom Line
The cost of living in Ohio is 11% lower than the national average. Nevertheless, it is still home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to Ohio, you can find affordable homes in cities like Youngstown, Niles, and Toledo.
Cities like Sandusky and Canton have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Ohio’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in OH Under Your Specific Budget
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Ohio, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest 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, and Delaware.
Is Ohio the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $234,640. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
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