Cincinnati has long been the underrated middle child of Midwest cities—a little too expensive for its Rust Belt reputation, but still a bargain compared to coastal metropolises. That doesn’t mean it’s getting any cheaper. Finding an affordable place that doesn’t involve living next to a highway off-ramp is getting trickier by the day. Luckily, several affordable Cincinnati suburbs offer lower rents, more space, and a life free from overpriced parking meters.
Whether you’re looking for small-town charm, scenic trails, or a place where your neighbors don’t treat a four-way stop like an abstract concept, these suburbs have something for everyone.
Cincinnati’s housing market at a glance
Whether you’re renting or buying, finding an affordable place with enough space within the city limits is becoming increasingly difficult. Here’s a quick look at Cincinnati’s current housing prices before we explore nine of the most affordable Cincinnati suburbs for renters in 2025.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in Cincinnati | $1,565 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in Cincinnati | $1,926 |
| Median home price in Cincinnati | $226,000 |
1. Middletown
If you’ve ever wanted to live in a place where skydiving is a legitimate weekend activity and rent is still under $900, Middletown delivers.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $862
- Distance from Cincinnati: 35 miles north
- Drive time to Cincinnati: About 40 minutes
With an average monthly rent of $862 for a 1-bedroom, Middletown is as affordable as it gets while still being within shouting distance of the city. Cincinnati is known for its industrial history and recent efforts to revitalize downtown, including Smith Park, which hosts the Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival. This festival gives locals a rare chance to see hundreds of balloons fill up the sky. Speaking of the sky, Start Skydiving is one of the best-rated skydiving centers in the country. Housing in Middletown is a healthy mix of older single-family homes, budget-friendly apartments, and fixer-uppers for those willing to DIY their way into homeownership.
2. Hamilton
A city that combines historic charm, an outdoor sculpture park, and a brewery inside a municipal building—all without charging downtown Cincinnati prices.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $970
- Distance from Cincinnati: 25 miles north
- Drive time to Cincinnati: About 35 minutes
At $970 per month on average for a 1-bedroom, Hamilton is for those who want art, history, and craft beer without breaking the bank. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum combines outdoor hiking with massive sculptures that look like they belong in an art heist movie. The Fitton Center for Creative Arts hosts performances, art exhibits, and classes for anyone looking to tap into their inner Van Gogh. And if you need a drink after a long day of adulting, Municipal Brew Works serves up craft beer in a historic municipal building—because nothing says “Cincinnati” like repurposing an old government office into a brewery.
3. Milford
A place where you can hike through nature in the morning, grab a drink with friends in the evening, and still afford your rent at the end of the month.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,035
- Distance from Cincinnati: 16 miles northeast
- Drive time to Cincinnati: About 25 minutes
Coming in at $1,035 per month on average for a 1-bedroom apartment, Milford is for people who want a small-town feel with just enough nature to pretend they’re outdoorsy. The Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods has hiking trails and lots of wildlife, while Valley View Nature Preserve is full of scenic trails along the East Fork Little Miami River. Downtown Milford is charming and historic, with boutique shops, restaurants, and easy access to the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Housing in Milford ranges from riverside apartments to newish townhouses to older homes with character (and possibly haunted attics).
4. Florence
Where baseball, shopping, and mini-golf collide, and—most importantly—you don’t need to sell an organ to afford a decent apartment.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,124
- Distance from Cincinnati: 12 miles south
- Drive time to Cincinnati: About 15 minutes
At $1,124 per month for a 1-bedroom, Florence is for people who want Kentucky living but still need a short commute to Cincinnati. World of Golf is a popular destination for those who prefer to spend all their free time on the links, and Florence Y’alls Stadium is home to an independent baseball team that the town has really gotten behind.
5. Fairfield
A suburb where you can buy international groceries at Jungle Jim’s, swing a golf club, and still have enough left over for some furniture that will last.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,184
- Distance from Cincinnati: 25 miles northwest
- Drive time to Cincinnati: About 30 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,184 per month, Fairfield is for those who appreciate quirky attractions and suburban convenience. The star here is Jungle Jim’s International Market, a grocery store so massive and bizarre it doubles as a tourist attraction. With themed sections ranging from a British grocery store to an entire wall of hot sauce, it’s a food lover’s paradise. Fairfield Fun Center is equipped with mini-golf and go-karts, while Harbin Park has trails and picnic areas for when you need a little fresh air.
6. Lebanon
The only place where you can ride a historic train, tour a 200-year-old inn, and still find rent prices that don’t require divine intervention.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,337
- Distance from Cincinnati: 32 miles northeast
- Drive time to Cincinnati: About 35 minutes
At $1,337 per month on average for a 1-bedroom, Lebanon is great for history buffs, train enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys small-town charm. The Golden Lamb Inn is Ohio’s oldest continuously operating hotel, hosting guests since 1803, while the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad lets you ride vintage trains through scenic Ohio countryside. Housing options in Lebanon are an appealing mix of Victorian-era homes, suburban developments, and apartments with a little more personality than your standard beige box.
7. Loveland
A town where you can live in biking distance of a medieval-style castle and a scenic river trail, all while dodging Cincinnati’s sky-high rents.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,437
- Distance from Cincinnati: 20 miles northeast
- Drive time to Cincinnati: About 30 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,437 per month, Loveland is a seriously sweet spot to settle down. Loveland Bike Trail is part of the Little Miami Scenic Trail, making it perfect for cycling, running, or a quiet walk to clear your head. Loveland Castle Museum (Château Laroche) was built by a single guy over several decades, proving that with enough dedication, you, too, can build a castle in Ohio. Nisbet Park is great for riverfront picnic spots and doubles as an outdoor event space.
8. West Chester
A fast-growing suburb where you get parks, shopping, and entertainment without the Cincinnati price tag or the downtown headaches.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,481
- Distance from Cincinnati: 18 miles north
- Drive time to Cincinnati: About 25 minutes
At $1,481 per month on average for a 1-bedroom apartment, West Chester is ideal for families and city commuters. Voice of America MetroPark is a sprawling park with lakes and trails that will help you escape, if only for a moment or two. Housing options in West Chester range from brand-new apartments to charming suburban homes to recently finished developments that come with slightly inflated price tags.
9. Covington
A spot where you get the best Cincinnati skyline views, a historic German district, and great food within walking distance—all while avoiding city prices.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,491
- Distance from Cincinnati: 2 miles south
- Drive time to Cincinnati: About 5 minutes
Just a short hop across the Ohio River into Kentucky, the average 1-bedroom rent in Covington comes out to $1,491 per month. To boil it down, Covington is basically Cincinnati with cheaper rent and better views. MainStrasse Village is a historic German neighborhood packed with shops and restaurants. The Carroll Chimes Bell Tower plays a mechanical puppet show every hour (because why not?). Roebling Point offers some of the best views of the Cincinnati skyline, while Devou Park has hiking trails and a solid golf course.
See yourself in an affordable Cincinnati suburb
If you’re looking for the cheapest rent, Middletown and Hamilton are your best bets. If you want historic charm, Loveland and Lebanon are solid choices. And if you like city access with slightly lower prices, Covington is the way to go. Whatever your budget, these affordable Cincinnati suburbs offer lower rent, more space, and at least a fighting chance of keeping your savings account intact.
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Cincinnati average rent and under 40 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Average rental data from Cincinnati rental market trends in February, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
