Nestled between the lush green parks of northeastern Ohio and the glittering shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is a hidden gem with an eclectic, friendly and small-town feel.
Meander for miles on foot or by bike past streams, waterfalls, meadows, beaches and trees through the Cleveland Metroparks.
You can listen to the world-famous Cleveland Orchestra either at historic Severance Hall or under the stars in the summertime. In fact, as a cultural epicenter, Cleveland boasts the most concentrated square mile of arts and culture in the country. Playhouse Square, Cleveland’s theater district, is second only in size to Lincoln Center in New York City.
There is entertainment for everyone with major league professional baseball, basketball, football and hockey teams in Cleveland’s Gateway District, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the water’s edge and a vibrant food scene complete with craft breweries, distilleries and wineries.
With much appeal, you will find that Cleveland’s average rent is extremely approachable. Here is how Cleveland measures up in terms of average rent.
What is the average rent in Cleveland?
The cost of living in Cleveland is well below the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
The average rent in Cleveland is $1,396 for a one-bedroom apartment. Up 8.75 percent since last year, the city is growing as more people are moving to the city’s center. Despite the increase, however, you’d pay at least $214 more anywhere else in the country, based on the national average of $1,610.
With a wide range of variety in both price and neighborhood vibes, it will be easy to find your most comfortable fit for your budget and lifestyle in Cleveland.
How much do I need to make to live in Cleveland?
Experts recommend spending no more than 30 percent of your pre-tax income on your housing. This means you’ll need to earn at least $55,840 each year to comfortably afford the average apartment in downtown Cleveland.
With residents in Cleveland making an average salary of $63,000, this should allow plenty of room in the budget to enjoy the city.
Are you ready to crunch your budget numbers? We’ve created a rent calculator to help you determine how much you can afford to make Cleveland your home.
The cost of living in Cleveland
As you are considering your budget, it’s also important to account for the cost of living, including day-to-day expenses.
Overall, the cost of living in Cleveland is 4 percent below the national average. With the excellent value of housing, you can spend more of your money out living your life. Here’s how Cleveland’s typical expenses compare nationwide:
- Healthcare: The cost of healthcare in Cleveland is 9.7 percent above the national average (Don’t forget — it is home to the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic)
- Groceries: The cost of groceries in Cleveland is 3.5 percent above the national average
- Miscellaneous goods and services: The cost of miscellaneous goods and services in Cleveland is 0.4 percent more than the national average
- Transportation: The cost of transportation in Cleveland is 0.2 percent lower than the national average
- Utilities: The cost of utilities in Cleveland is 4.9 percent lower than the national average
- Housing: The cost of housing in Cleveland is 16.7 percent below the national average
The most and least expensive neighborhoods in Cleveland
In Cleveland, the neighborhoods directly downtown and the trendy areas directly to the west (where you’ll find the house in the beloved movie A Christmas Story) are most expensive.
Neighborhoods directly to the east and Downtown offer a water view of Lake Erie. Places near the Cuyahoga River are on the pricier side (though still lower than rent prices last year).
So, basically, in Cleveland, the closer you are to downtown, the more you will pay.
The most expensive Cleveland neighborhoods
Ohio City is a favorite Cleveland area known for its hip vibes for dining and entertainment. Here you will find farm-to-table restaurants, beer gardens featuring craft beers and funky coffee shops aplenty.
Home to the West Side Market, this is a favorite shopping spot with indie craft stores and galleries. This eclectic and historic neighborhood boasts the most expensive average rent in Cleveland at $1,721.
Further downtown, The Flats have undergone a multi-million-dollar makeover complete with restaurants, shops, bars and a boardwalk along the Cuyahoga River with average rent at $1,415.
Another exciting area is the Gateway District, where you can catch a sporting event or a concert, then visit any of more than 60 restaurants and bars, making it an attractive and walkable neighborhood with an average rent of $1,437. Gateway is where you will find the adorable, cosmopolitan East 4th Street hangout spot. Expect tons of restaurants, a comedy club and even a bowling alley in this district.
Traveling east, you will find the University Circle area, a cultural hub known as Cleveland’s “Museum Mecca.”
Around the corner from Little Italy and home to Case Western Reserve University, modern academic buildings, restaurants and entertainment abound. Rent in University Circle is currently more than 10 percent lower than last year at $1,497 on average.
Similarly, the Hough neighborhood, with an urban winery and historic League Park, the original home of the Cleveland Indians, averages at $1,429 (down about 7 percent from last year.)
| Rank | Neighborhood | 1BR Average Rent | YoY Rent Price Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio City | $1,721 | 1.66% |
| 2 | University Circle | $1,497 | -10.16% |
| 3 | Gateway District | $1,437 | -5.97% |
| 4 | Hough | $1,429 | -7.31% |
| 5 | The Flats | $1,415 | -5.12% |
The cheapest Cleveland neighborhoods
To the west of Cleveland, West Park, containing the popular residential area known as Kamm’s Corners, is an up-and-coming neighborhood with live music, pubs and shopping. The average rent here is one of the least expensive in Cleveland at $573. You’ll pay the same price for a pad in nearby Jefferson, which is walkable to restaurants and coffee shops.
Traveling east, you’ll encounter historic charm with up-to-date amenities in the neighborhood of Fairfax, where the average rent is $647. You can tour lovely old churches amidst the modern development of the Cleveland Clinic.
Nearby Shaker Square is an eclectic area for shopping and dining with walkable apartments for rent averaging $699. This is a drop over 13 percent lower than last year. The Buckeye – Shaker area has easy access to the rapid transit station and historic shopping, with an average rent of $655.
| Rank | Neighborhood | 1BR Average Rent | YoY Rent Price Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jefferson | $573 | N/A |
| 1 | West Park | $573 | N/A |
| 3 | Ludlow | $639 | -1.42% |
| 4 | Fairfax | $647 | 6.04% |
| 5 | Buckeye - Shaker | $655 | 2.25% |
Average rent prices in Cleveland neighborhoods
From lively downtown to walkable neighborhoods with a more suburban feel, there is a vast range of choices and rent prices in the Cleveland area to suit every personality.
| Neighborhood | 1BR Average Rent | YoY Rent Price Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Buckeye - Shaker | $655 | 2.25% |
| Campus District | $1,087 | -5.60% |
| CSU - Euclid Corridor | $1,087 | -5.60% |
| Downtown | $1,325 | -6.45% |
| Euclid - Green | $717 | 7.66% |
| Fairfax | $647 | 6.04% |
| Gateway District | $1,437 | -5.97% |
| Hough | $1,429 | -7.31% |
| Jefferson | $573 | N/A |
| Ludlow | $639 | -1.42% |
| Ohio City | $1,721 | 1.66% |
| Playhouse Square | $1,050 | -3.99% |
| Shaker Square* | $699 | -13.25% |
| The Flats | $1,415 | -5.12% |
| Tower City District | $1,336 | -4.70% |
| Tremont | $1,076 | 5.64% |
| University Circle | $1,497 | -10.16% |
| Warehouse District | $1,275 | 5.08% |
| West Park | $573 | N/A |
*May not be a true market representation due to insufficient inventory
Find your Cleveland neighborhood
With its friendly, small-town feel but vibrant nightlife, dining, shopping and culture, Cleveland is a wonderful city to call home. Enjoy the beauty of all four seasons and delight in the fresh air and green space while staying close to the city’s pulse.
You can find your perfect apartment in Cleveland with a charming variety of neighborhoods at a wide range of prices throughout the city.
