Can I Afford to Live in Ohio?
Ohio - Affordable cities like Columbus and Cincinnati with a strong job market. See median rent, home values, and the most affordable ZIP codes below.
Find ZIP Codes You Can Afford in Ohio
Enter your salary to see neighborhoods in your budget.
🏠 To Buy in Ohio
With median home value of $195,000, you'd typically need an income of at least $48,750/year and a down payment of $19,500 (10%).
🏘️ To Rent in Ohio
With median rent of $900/month, you should earn at least $32K/year (30% rent-to-income rule). This is below the US median of $1,163/mo.
💰 Median Income
Ohio residents earn a median household income of $60,081/year. Rent takes approximately 18% of median income.
Most Affordable ZIP Codes in Ohio
Ranked by lowest median rent, minimum population 3,000+
| # | ZIP · City | Rent/mo | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45205 Cincinnati | $857 | 52 |
| 2 | 45206 Cincinnati | $963 | 53 |
| 3 | 43201 Columbus | $990 | 52 |
| 4 | 43204 Columbus | $1,007 | 54 |
| 5 | 43202 Columbus | $1,102 | 64 |
| 6 | 43209 Columbus | $1,240 | 68 |
| 7 | 43215 Columbus | $1,257 | 67 |
| 8 | 45202 Cincinnati | $1,279 | 64 |
| 9 | 45220 Cincinnati | $1,355 | 68 |
| 10 | 43235 Columbus | $1,761 | 74 |
| 11 | 45208 Cincinnati | $1,847 | 76 |
| 12 | 45226 Cincinnati | $2,042 | 74 |
Top-Rated Neighborhoods in Ohio
Highest ZipScore - best combination of safety, schools, and quality of life
FAQs: Living in Ohio
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Ohio?
To live comfortably in Ohio, you'd want to earn at least $32,400/year to rent at the median price without being cost-burdened (spending more than 30% of income on housing). To buy at the median home price of $195,000, aim for a salary of $48,750+.
Is Ohio expensive to live in?
Ohio has a median rent of $900/month, which is below the US national median of $1,163. Cost varies significantly by city and neighborhood - the table above shows the most affordable ZIP codes in Ohio.
What is the most affordable city in Ohio?
The most affordable ZIP codes in Ohio are ranked in the table above by median rent. Smaller cities and suburbs typically offer significantly lower costs than the major metro areas. Click any ZIP code to see its full neighborhood profile.