The Most Affordable Cities in Ohio

Corn, football, and rock-and-roll – what more could you want? Ohio is a Midwestern state with plenty of character. Enjoy driving through the rolling hills and fields on your way to your favorite local zoos, sporting events, and museums. If you’re ready to become a Buckeye, NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the 10 most affordable cities to help inform your choice.

1. Ashtabula

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.52

Average Property Tax: $809

Median Household Income: $28,682

Ashtabula kicks off our list of affordable cities in Ohio. Built along Lake Erie, it offers waterside parks where you can relax, boat, and swim. Take a dive into Civil War history by visiting Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum.   

2. Niles

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.24

Average Property Tax: $1,159

Median Household Income: $38,027

Niles is in northeast Ohio, approximately 68 miles from Cleveland. You’ll find local amenities and attractions like parks, banquet halls, and malls. The Eastwood Mall is home to The Aquarium, which contains saltwater fish, live coral, and even a shark tank. Learn about local history and the 25th president of the United States at the Niles Historical Society and the McKinley Birthplace Home and Research Center.

3. Steubenville

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.89

Average Property Tax: $829

Median Household Income: $31,219

Steubenville is the county seat of Jefferson County. Located along the Ohio-West Virginia border and the Ohio River, Steubenville has riverside attractions such as a marina, the Jefferson County Historical Association, and Historic Fort Steuben. In the wintertime, head on over to Steubenville Nutcracker Village for a festive delight!

4. Youngstown

Home Price to Income Ratio: 1.55

Average Property Tax: $703

Median Household Income: $28,822

Feel young in Youngstown! With over 60,000 residents calling it home, Youngstown is a sizable city with a friendly atmosphere. If you’re looking for entertainment, spend your weekends admiring the foliage of Fellows Riverside Garden or catching the latest installment of literary and visual arts at the McDonough Museum of Art.

5. Mansfield

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.11

Average Property Tax: $1,170

Median Household Income: $37,683

Mansfield is located halfway between Columbus and Cleveland, making it an ideal spot for those who commute to the bigger cities. Downtown Mansfield is a lively scene of restaurants and attractions like Mansfield Memorial Museum and Little Buckeye Children’s Museum. Other highlights include the Kingwood Center Gardens where you will find duck ponds, peacocks, and multiple floral displays. Other attractions include a fire department museum and multiple country clubs.

6. Sandusky

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.26

Average Property Tax: $1,221

Median Household Income: $38,380

Located along the shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky is your go-to destination for waterside entertainment and living. The harbors are lined with restaurants, retail districts, and of course plenty of sailing opportunities. For a unique museum experience, check out the Merry-Go-Round Museum, featuring a vintage working carousel.

7. Warren

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.12

Average Property Tax: $925

Median Household Income: $28,898

Warren is approximately 56 miles southeast of Cleveland. Here you can enjoy museums, country clubs, and drive-in movie theaters. The Mahoning River weaves its way through the city, and on warm days you can enjoy hiking along the green space of the riverwalk.

8. Eastlake

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.63

Average Property Tax: $2,733

Median Household Income: $50,478

Eastlake is another city located along Lake Erie. Enjoy beaches, yacht clubs, and sports complexes in this waterside town. Cleveland is a mere 19 miles southwest of Eastlake, so you can take a weekend trip without an exhausting drive.

9. Canton

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.20

Average Property Tax: $1,010

Median Household Income: $32,287

Football fans, look no further than Canton! This northeast city is the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where you will find your favorite players immortalized. Canton also features the First Ladies National Historic Site, McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, and the Canton Museum of Art. 

10. Zanesville

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.62

Average Property Tax: $892

Median Household Income: $30,345

Zanesville is the county seat of Muskingum County. You’ll find a thriving arts scene in this central city, complete with multiple art museums and galleries. The Muskingum River meanders through the heart of the city, and you’ll find scenic bridges, boats, and plenty of riverfront parks.

Cities with the Best Home Price to Income Ratio

While the list above is sorted by the lowest overall cost of living index, the following cities have the lowest home price to income ratio, meaning you can get more home for your money.

• Youngstown
• Maple Heights
• South Euclid