Cost of Living in Cuyahoga County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cuyahoga County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cuyahoga County ranks #3,048 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Cuyahoga's rent burden strains household budgets
Renters in Cuyahoga County spend 19.2% of their income on rent—well above the national average and significantly above Ohio's state average of 15.6%. With a median household income of $62,823 (16% below the national average), residents face tighter affordability constraints on both rents and ownership costs.
Among Ohio's least affordable counties
Cuyahoga County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of the state's worst, reflecting the higher costs of Ohio's largest metro area. At $1,005 monthly rent and $1,156 in homeowner costs, Cuyahoga residents pay significantly above the state averages of $873 and face steeper affordability challenges.
Priced above most regional alternatives
Cuyahoga's $1,005 monthly rent substantially exceeds nearby rural and suburban counties—nearly 32% more than Crawford County's $761 and 22% more than Darke County's $747. Even compared to slightly more affluent Fairfield County, Cuyahoga renters pay $109 more monthly despite earning less on average.
Housing cost squeeze on Cleveland-area households
A typical Cuyahoga renter earning $62,823 annually pays $1,005 monthly in rent, consuming 19.2% of gross income, while homeowners commit $1,156 monthly to ownership of median-valued $183,200 homes. This housing-cost-heavy budget leaves fewer dollars for savings, childcare, healthcare, and other necessities.
Urban amenities come with affordability trade-offs
Cuyahoga offers big-city job markets and cultural resources that justify higher housing costs for many—but compare carefully to less expensive Ohio counties if cost of living is your primary concern. Residents considering relocation should weigh Cleveland's metro advantages against significant savings available in surrounding rural and suburban counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cuyahoga County
Affordability Verdict
Cuyahoga County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,005/month — about 19.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,005/month rent versus $1,156/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $151/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,543/year. With a median household income of $62,823, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Cuyahoga County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Cuyahoga County sits 6% more expensive than Wood County ($950/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cuyahoga County
Rent Burden
19.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,466
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cuyahoga County
Median home value is $183,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,463 vs. your max of $1,466.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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