RentData

Average Rent in Lima, OH↑ Rents rising 6.4% YoY🔺 10th priciest in OH

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 101,685

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

Market Overview

Lima, OH has rental prices ranging from $895/month to $1,571/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $901/month — 36% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $62,001/year, spending $901/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lima Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,179/month, Lima ranks #10 most expensive of the 72 cities tracked in Ohio — pricier than 73% of all US cities in our data.

The Lima Rental Market

The Lima, OH area has a population of about 101,685 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 Lima, OH have risen by $71/month (6.4%) over the past year, from $1,108 to $1,179. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lima, OH without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $36,040. The local median household income of $62,001 exceeds that threshold by $25,961, making Lima relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Lima, OH is $151,335, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 10.7. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 11 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$895
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$901
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,179
↑6.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,418
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,571
Average
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Lima
▼
Median Home Value
$151,335
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$805/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Lima, 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
$47,160/year
Local median income: $62,001
To buy a median home
$32,219/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,179/month and 20% down on a $151,335 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—
Akron$886$952$1,231$1,474—
Ottawa County$677$753$988$1,190—
Toledo$822$875$1,145$1,461—

Rent or Buy in Lima?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Lima data

$
Home Value
$151,335
2BR Rent
$1,179/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$805/mo
🏠 Buy

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

Total monthly buy cost: $1,114/movs rent: $1,179/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 $151,335 home at 7% rate

20% — $30,267
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$805
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$121,068
Total Paid
$289,969
Total Interest
$168,901
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Lima

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Lima

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Lima

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Lima

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in OH

See how Lima ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Lima

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋OH Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections