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It is cheaper to rent in parts of Ohio than buy a home. Here’s where and the cost

By Sundi Rose
The housing market is in a complicated place right now.
The housing market is in a complicated place right now. Ivan S

The economy, inflation and affordability is on everyone’s mind, and where to live is among the biggest concerns of Georgia residents. As of early 2026, the median mortgage payment is about 15% to 25% higher than the median rent.

Ohio’s housing market sits at an interesting crossroads. Home prices remain comparatively accessible in many parts of the state, while rents continue to move in ways that can make renting the cheaper short-term option.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis the state’s median listing price is $272,450 and the median monthly rent is $1,323, and the gap between the least and most expensive markets is significant.

Renting is cheaper, for now

Of the 838 U.S. cities analyzed, only 95 still offer a cost advantage to buyers, mostly in lower-cost Southern and Rust Belt markets.

Ohio’s housing market at a glance

Realtor.com tracks Ohio tatewide numbers using MLS-listed for-sale homes and active rental listings.

Although the listing price of homes has stayed the same year over year (YoY), rental listings are up 16.89% YoY.

March 2026 snapshot:

  • Median listing price: $265,000
  • Median monthly rent: $1,291
  • Price per sq. ft.: $162
  • Active listings: 45,509
  • Rental properties: 11,954 (down 10%YoY)
  • Median days on market: 34 days
  • Market Hotness Index: 7 out of 100, rated “hot”

The Youngstown-Warren Region was ranked as the number 1 hottest real estate market in the United States in April 2026 by Cotality, driven by high demand and low supply.

Least and most expensive cities in OH to buy and rent

All data from Realtor.com reflects median listing price and median monthly rent.

Most expensive median home prices:

Salem Township: $419,000 listing price

  • Mortgage: $2,384/month
  • Rent: $2,185/month

Delaware: $464,900 listing price

  • Mortgage: $2,645/month
  • Rent: $1,995/month

Liberty Township: $390,000 listing price

  • Mortgage: $2,219/month
  • Rent: $1,495/month

Cincinnati: $299,000 listing price

  • Mortgage: $1,701/month
  • Rent: $1,447/month

Fairfield Township: $299,000 listing price

  • Mortgage: $1,701/month
  • Rent: $1,400/month

Least expensive median home prices:

Toledo: $119,900 listing price

  • Mortgage: $682/month
  • Rent: $1,000/month

Cleveland: $142,450 listing price

  • Mortgage: $810/month
  • Rent: $1,295/month

Akron: $144,949 listing price

  • Mortgage: $825/month
  • Rent: $1,024/month

Canton: $169,900 listing price

  • Mortgage: $967/month
  • Rent: $900/month

Dayton: $162,900 listing price

  • Mortgage: $927/month
  • Rent: $950/month

Most and least expensive US markets to buy

National city-level data below is sourced from SmartAsset, Construction Coverage, and Bankrate.

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania is the only city where buying was cheaper than renting.

Most expensive:

  • San Jose, CA: $1.6M+ - $9,101/month mortgage; $3,009/month rent
  • San Francisco, CA: ~$1.4M - $7,967/month mortgage ; $3,895/month rent
  • Manhattan, NY: ~$1.55M - $8,818/month mortgage; $5,000/month rent
  • Orange County, CA: ~$1.6M - $9,101/month mortgage; $2,352/month rent
  • Newport Beach, CA:$3.3M+ - $18,775/month mortgage; $7,500/month rent

Least expensive cities

  • Granite City, IL: ~$119,000 - $677/month mortgage; $1,050/month rent
  • Rochester, NY: ~$139,900 - $796/month mortgage; $1,395/month rent
  • Akron, OH: under $101,000 - $575/month mortgage; $995/month rent
  • Pittsburgh, PA: ~$250,000 - $1,422/month mortgage; $1,500/month rent
  • Fort Smith, AR: ~$200,500 - $1,141/month mortgage; $769/month rent

If there is something you would like to know or read more about email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

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