RentData

Average Rent in Akron, OH↓ Rents falling 2.9% YoY🔺 5th priciest in OH

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 699,508

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Akron, OH has rental prices ranging from $886/month to $1,618/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $952/month — 32% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $71,312/year, spending $952/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Akron Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,231/month, Akron ranks #5 most expensive of the 72 cities tracked in Ohio — pricier than 77% of all US cities in our data.

The Akron Rental Market

The Akron, OH area has a population of about 699,508 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Akron, OH have fallen by $37/month (2.9%) over the past year, from $1,268 to $1,231. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Akron, OH without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,080. The local median household income of $71,312 exceeds that threshold by $33,232, making Akron relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Akron, OH is $138,865, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 9.4. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 9 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Akron's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Summit Lake ($66,851 median home value), Middlebury ($67,301 median home value), East Akron ($72,254 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$886
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$952
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,231
↓2.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,474
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,618
Affordable
🔔
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Median Home Value
$138,865
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$739/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Akron, OH Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$49,240/year
Local median income: $71,312
To buy a median home
$29,564/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,231/month and 20% down on a $138,865 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in OHlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Brown County$844$849$1,030$1,425—
Columbus$1,258$1,346$1,602$1,909—
Dayton$909$1,008$1,248$1,623—
Ottawa County$677$753$988$1,190—
Toledo$822$875$1,145$1,461—
Youngstown$755$801$1,003$1,295—

Rent or Buy in Akron?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Akron data

$
Home Value
$138,865
2BR Rent
$1,231/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$739/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $1,023/movs rent: $1,231/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $138,865 home at 7% rate

20% — $27,773
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$739
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$111,092
Total Paid
$266,075
Total Interest
$154,983
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Akron

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Akron

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Akron

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Akron

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in OH

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⚖️Compare Akron

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📋OH Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections