Cleveland is a city of contradictions. It has an underdog sports culture, a shockingly good food scene, and lakefront views that almost make up for the winter months. But while it’s still cheaper than most big cities, rent prices have been inching upward, forcing people to look beyond the downtown core. Fortunately, several affordable Cleveland suburbs still offer livable rent, decent space, and a break from the rising costs of the city—without requiring a 90-minute commute.
Cleveland’s Housing Market at a Glance
For renters and buyers alike, finding an affordable place with enough space is becoming more of a challenge. Here’s a quick snapshot of Cleveland’s current housing prices before we dive into 10 of the most affordable Cleveland suburbs.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in Cleveland | $1,514 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in Cleveland | $2,057 |
| Median home price in Cleveland | $119,500 |
1. Maple Heights
If you’ve ever dreamed of paying rent that sounds like it’s from a 1990s classified ad, Maple Heights is your best bet.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $701
- Distance from Cleveland: 12 miles southeast
- Drive time to Cleveland: About 20 minutes
At $701 per month for a 1-bedroom, Maple Heights is an affordable spot to settle down just outside the city. The Maple Heights Library is a surprisingly solid community gathering place, offering educational programs and a quiet spot to learn something new. For those who appreciate old-school entertainment, Maple Heights Lanes is a classic bowling alley where you can perfect your game or just hang out and eat pizza. Housing options in Maple Heights are a healthy mix of affordable apartments, single-family homes, and fixer-uppers that still cost less than a down payment in most cities.
2. Shaker Heights
A place where you can live among historic architecture and tree-lined streets without needing a tech billionaire’s bank account.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $800
- Distance from Cleveland: 10 miles east
- Drive time to Cleveland: About 20 minutes
Coming in at $800 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Shaker Heights is one of the rare places where you can get historic charm at a price that doesn’t make you reconsider your life choices. This affordable Cleveland suburb is known for the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, a scenic area perfect for walks, jogs, or just avoiding real life responsibilities for an hour or so. The Van Aken District is a stellar spot for shopping and grabbing a quick bite, offering everything from craft cocktails to boutique stores. Housing options include charming historic homes, well-kept apartments, and townhouses with price tags that make sense.
3. Euclid
If living near Lake Erie without hemorrhaging money sounds appealing, Euclid offers beach access at a price that won’t ruin you.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $842
- Distance from Cleveland: 12 miles northeast
- Drive time to Cleveland: About 20 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $842 per month, Euclid offers a rare combination of affordability and lakefront living. Euclid Beach Park provides easy access to Lake Erie’s shores, which means you can enjoy the view without paying a premium. Shore Cultural Centre keeps the local arts scene alive, hosting performances and community events. Housing in Euclid ranges from budget-friendly apartments to houses with lake views that somehow don’t cost a fortune (yet).
4. Mentor
A suburb that gives you easy access to Ohio’s longest natural beach while still leaving enough in your wallet for an actual vacation.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $960
- Distance from Cleveland: 25 miles northeast
- Drive time to Cleveland: About 35 minutes
At $960 per month on average for a 1-bedroom apartment, Mentor is for people who want space, nature, and the quality of life that comes with living near a real beach—even if it’s a freshwater one. Headlands Beach State Park boasts Ohio’s longest natural beach, giving you an actual reason to own flip-flops. The James A. Garfield National Historic Site preserves the home of the 20th U.S. president. And for those who just want to relax, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve has trails, wildlife, and a beautiful marina.
5. Mayfield Heights
A solid choice if you like parks, shopping, and rent prices that actually make sense.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,007
- Distance from Cleveland: 15 miles east
- Drive time to Cleveland: About 25 minutes
At $1,007 per month for a 1-bedroom, Mayfield Heights is a solid choice if you like suburban convenience but still want some nature nearby. North Chagrin Reservation has scenic walking trails and a nature center, plus the well-known Squire’s Castle, which makes for an interesting day trip. Housing in Maple Heights ranges from apartments to condos to well-maintained suburban homes that don’t look like they were built overnight.
6. North Olmsted
A place where you can spend your weekends hiking scenic trails or maxing out your credit card at the mall—your call.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,012
- Distance from Cleveland: 15 miles southwest
- Drive time to Cleveland: About 25 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,012 per month, North Olmsted is a great spot for budget-conscious renters to lay down roots. Great Northern Mall has enough interesting stores to keep you busy for hours, while Rocky River Reservation provides the perfect excuse to get outside and breathe fresh air. Frostville Museum offers a step back in time with a collection of historic buildings showcasing 19th-century life. Housing options include apartments, townhomes, and houses in neighborhoods that still feel affordable.
7. Willoughby
A charming small town with just enough history, breweries, and lakeside views to make you feel like you’re living your best life.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,020
- Distance from Cleveland: 20 miles northeast
- Drive time to Cleveland: About 30 minutes
At $1,020 per month on average for a 1-bedroom, Willoughby is one of the few affordable Cleveland suburbs that manages to seamlessly mix small-town charm with just enough nightlife to keep things interesting. Historic Downtown Willoughby is packed with quirky shops, local restaurants, and seasonal events that keep the area lively. Penitentiary Glen Reservation is great for outdoor adventures, while Tricky Tortoise Brewing Company is there to make sure you always have a quality local beer within reach.
8. Lakewood
For those who want to be close to Cleveland without paying downtown prices, plus you get lakefront parks.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,120
- Distance from Cleveland: 7 miles west
- Drive time to Cleveland: About 15 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,120 per month, Lakewood is the suburb for people who want city access but aren’t willing to pay downtown prices. Detroit Avenue is lined with restaurants and bars, like locally-loved Boom’s Pizza, where there’s a quality slice waiting for you. Lakewood Public Library is one of the best libraries in Ohio, making it the ideal place to read, work, or enjoy free air conditioning on a hot summer day.
9. Brunswick
Where you can pick apples in the fall, fish in the summer, and still afford to live comfortably year-round.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,150
- Distance from Cleveland: 25 miles southwest
- Drive time to Cleveland: About 35 minutes
At $1,150 per month for a 1-bedroom, Brunswick is a quiet, family-friendly suburb with enough going on to keep you entertained. Mapleside Farms is great for apple picking, seasonal festivals, and bombing down their giant slide, because why not? Brunswick Lake Park is a peaceful spot for fishing, walking, and anything outside. Housing options in Brunswick are a mix of apartments, townhomes, and classic suburban homes that are reasonably priced.
10. Parma
A classic working-class suburb that still lets you live near Cleveland without requiring a hedge fund to pay your rent.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,187
- Distance from Cleveland: 10 miles south
- Drive time to Cleveland: About 20 minutes
With an average rent of $1,187 per month, Parma is for people who want to live near the city but prefer having a backyard. West Creek Reservation has plenty of green space and is the ideal spot to spend a sunny day. Ukrainian Village is packed with renowned restaurants serving up some of the best Eastern European food in the state.
Find the right affordable Ohio suburb for you
Finding affordable Cleveland suburbs isn’t impossible—you just have to decide if you want lakeside views, small-town charm, or easy city access. Either way, these suburbs offer more space, lower rent, and the chance to actually enjoy life instead of stressing about paying for it.
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Cleveland’s average rent and under 30 miles from downtown Cleveland. Average rental data from Cleveland rental market trends in February, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
