Best 10 Cities to Live in Ohio in 2025-2026
Go Back To Previous PageOhio is a state known for its rich history, vibrant communities, and affordable living. Whether you’re moving for work, school, or a fresh start, Ohio offers a variety of cities that rank high
for quality of life.
From low housing costs to top-tier schools, each city on this list has something special to offer its residents. In this article, we’ll explore the best cities to live in Ohio for 2025-2026, highlighting what makes them stand out.
1. Mentor, OH – Best Overall City in Ohio
- Overall Score: 6.1
- Median Home Value: $242,866
- Median Monthly Rent: $1,020
- Median Household Income: $90,083
- Commute Time: 19 minutes
Mentor tops the list of the best places to live in Ohio for its combination of affordable housing, a high median household income, and excellent schools.
Located along the shores of Lake Erie, Mentor offers residents a balance of suburban peace with proximity to the bustling city of Cleveland. It’s a family-friendly city with a low crime rate and a variety of parks and recreational activities.
2. Parma, OH – Affordable and Growing Community
- Overall Score: 6.0
- Median Home Value: $169,627
- Median Monthly Rent: $932
- Median Household Income: $68,389
- Commute Time: 22 minutes
As one of Ohio’s top cities for affordable living, Parma offers excellent value for those seeking a thriving yet affordable community. It has a rich cultural scene and a strong local economy, offering good schools, parks, and recreational activities. Parma’s affordability in housing and low rental costs make it an excellent choice for families and young professionals alike.
3. Columbus, OH – Ohio’s Capital with Urban Appeal
- Overall Score: 5.4
- Median Home Value: $280,117
- Median Monthly Rent: $1,090
- Median Household Income: $65,981
- Commute Time: 20 minutes
Columbus is Ohio’s capital and largest city. It’s a major hub for education, business, and technology, thanks to Ohio State University and a growing tech industry.
Columbus also boasts a vibrant arts scene, excellent public transit, and a diverse job market, making it one of the best cities to live in Ohio.
4. Hamilton, OH – Affordable and Family-Oriented
- Overall Score: 5.3
- Median Home Value: $198,750
- Median Monthly Rent: $838
- Median Household Income: $56,786
- Commute Time: 21 minutes
Hamilton is a hidden gem in Ohio, offering affordable housing and a welcoming atmosphere for families. It has a charming downtown area with a growing arts scene, historic sites, and outdoor activities.
The cost of living is well below the state average, making it an attractive option for those who want to live near larger cities like Cincinnati while avoiding the high costs associated with urban life.
5. Lima, OH – Budget-Friendly Living
- Overall Score: 5.3
- Median Home Value: $117,512
- Median Monthly Rent: $660
- Median Household Income: $44,474
- Commute Time: 14 minutes
Lima ranks among the best places to live in Ohio for its highly affordable housing and low cost of living. With a strong manufacturing-based local economy, Lima offers a comfortable lifestyle and excellent access to essential services.
The low median home values make it a perfect place for first-time homebuyers and those looking for budget-friendly living.
6. Springfield, OH – Ideal for Families and Retirees
- Overall Score: 5.2
- Median Home Value: $131,389
- Median Monthly Rent: $617
- Median Household Income: $48,179
- Commute Time: 19 minutes
Springfield offers affordable living and is known for its family-friendly environment. The city is home to numerous parks, cultural events, and excellent schools.
It’s also a good choice for retirees due to its low cost of living and abundance of healthcare services. Springfield offers a relaxed pace of life while being within reach of larger cities like Dayton.
7. Lorain, OH – Affordable with Lake Erie Access
- Overall Score: 5.0
- Median Home Value: $155,854
- Median Monthly Rent: $690
- Median Household Income: $49,713
- Commute Time: 20 minutes
Lorain offers a blend of small-town living and lakefront access. This affordable city is one of the best places to live in Ohio for outdoor enthusiasts, as it’s located along the shores of Lake Erie.
The city offers good schools, low property taxes, and a peaceful suburban lifestyle while remaining close to Cleveland’s job opportunities and amenities.
8. Mansfield, OH – Small Town Charm with Big Savings
- Overall Score: 4.9
- Median Home Value: $149,515
- Median Monthly Rent: $626
- Median Household Income: $44,041
- Commute Time: 16 minutes
Mansfield is one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets, offering low housing costs and a friendly atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy the benefits of small-town living while staying connected to larger cities like Columbus.
Mansfield is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and affordable housing, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
9. Sandusky, OH – Waterfront Living at an Affordable Price
- Overall Score: 4.9
- Median Home Value: $134,835
- Median Monthly Rent: $723
- Median Household Income: $50,606
- Commute Time: 14 minutes
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky offers residents waterfront living without the high costs of coastal cities. It’s known for its tourism industry, particularly due to the famous Cedar Point amusement park.
Sandusky’s affordable housing and quality of life make it an appealing option for families, retirees, and young professionals looking for a slower pace of life.
10. Akron, OH – Affordable with Urban Amenities
- Overall Score: 4.9
- Median Home Value: $144,755
- Median Monthly Rent: $755
- Median Household Income: $51,138
- Commute Time: 18 minutes
Akron offers affordable housing, good schools, and a robust local economy. Known for its history in the rubber industry, Akron has reinvented itself as a centre for tech startups, healthcare, and education.
The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, making it one of the best places to live in Ohio for those seeking an affordable lifestyle with access to city amenities.
Conclusion: The Best Cities to Live in Ohio
Ohio offers a wide variety of cities, each with its own charm and appeal. From the bustling urban environment of Columbus to the lakeside tranquillity of Lorain, there’s a perfect spot for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for affordable housing, family-friendly communities, or proximity to large cities, these 10 best cities to live in Ohio provide an excellent balance of lifestyle, opportunities, and value.
While there are undoubtedly worse cities in Ohio for those seeking the lowest cost of living and the best amenities, the towns on this list consistently rank high for their overall affordability and quality of life.
As you consider a move to Ohio, any of these cities will offer a great starting point for building a rewarding and comfortable life.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
