As the city continues to grow, finding the cheapest neighborhoods in Cleveland remains a top priority for renters looking to balance cost and convenience. Whether you’re a first-time renter, or just looking to increase your savings, exploring apartments in Cleveland can help you find a community that fits your lifestyle and budget.
In this Rent. article, we’ll explore some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Cleveland, complete with neighborhood highlights and key details to help you find your perfect home.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most budget-friendly neighborhoods in Cleveland and what you can expect to pay for a one-bedroom apartment in each area.
| Neighborhood | Average 1-bedroom rent |
| Woodland Hills | $552 |
| Clark – Fulton | $725 |
| Mount Pleasant | $725 |
| Brooklyn – Centre | $750 |
| Stockyards | $750 |
| Old Brooklyn | $775 |
| West Boulevard | $775 |
| Puritas – Longmead | $775 |
| Goodrich – Kirtland Park | $799 |
| Cedar – Central | $829 |
| North Collinwood | $849 |
1. Woodland Hills
Average 1-bedroom rent: $552
Average 2-bedroom rent: $650
Neighborhood highlights: Historic homes, local markets, easy transit access
Woodland Hills is close to Luke Easter Park, one of the largest green spaces in the city. At the park there are tons of walking trails, sports fields, and community events. The neighborhood is also near the Shaker Square area, giving you access to great local restaurants like Balaton, known for its Hungarian fare. Public transit is a plus here, with multiple RTA bus routes connecting to downtown and the nearby Blue and Green Line trains.
2. Clark – Fulton
Average 1-bedroom rent: $725
Average 2-bedroom rent: $800
Neighborhood highlights: Authentic eateries, MetroHealth campus
Clark – Fulton is one of the best neighborhoods for authentic Latin American food. You’ll find everything from Puerto Rican dishes at El Rinconcito Chapin to traditional Mexican tacos at Las Villas Deli & Pastry. The rental market here is a mix of older brick apartment buildings and single-family homes. Many of these rentals are more affordable than in trendier neighborhoods like Ohio City. You’re also close to MetroHealth Medical Center, which has been undergoing major redevelopment, bringing in new businesses and improving the area.
3. Mount Pleasant
Average 1-bedroom rent: $725
Average 2-bedroom rent: $1,000
Neighborhood highlights: Community parks, historic landmarks, strong local pride
Mount Pleasant is a quiet, residential neighborhood. The area is full of tree-lined streets and historic houses, many of which have been converted into affordable rentals. Kossuth Park and Arthur Johnston Park provide plenty of green space, and the neighborhood is just a short drive from Shaker Heights and University Circle. While it’s not as walkable as some areas, public transit is decent. For example, there are several RTA buses running along major roads like Kinsman Road.
4. Brooklyn – Centre
Average 1-bedroom rent: $750
Average 2-bedroom rent: $825
Neighborhood highlights: Proximity to the zoo, quiet residential feel, historic streets
Brooklyn – Centre is a small, underrated neighborhood perfect for renters looking for affordability near downtown. It’s one of Cleveland’s oldest neighborhoods, so you’ll find plenty of historic architecture, including well-kept apartment buildings with surprisingly low rent. The area is close to Steelyard Commons, a major shopping center with everything from grocery stores to big-box retailers. Food-wise, Sokolowski’s University Inn, a Cleveland institution known for its Polish food, is just a short drive away.
5. Stockyards
Average 1-bedroom rent: $750
Average 2-bedroom rent: $850
Neighborhood highlights: Revitalized industrial areas, diverse food scene, easy downtown access
Stockyards is a great spot for those looking for larger rental homes at lower prices compared to nearby areas like Detroit-Shoreway. The neighborhood has a strong local feel, with small businesses and family-owned shops lining West 65th Street. La Plaza Supermarket, a local favorite, has some of the best tacos and tamales in the city. While the area isn’t the most walkable, it has easy access to public transit and major roads like Lorain Avenue.
6. Old Brooklyn
Average 1-bedroom rent: $775
Average 2-bedroom rent: $925
Neighborhood highlights: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, historic homes, expanding breweries
Old Brooklyn has a mix of apartments and rental homes, many of which have yards and garages. That’s something you won’t find in many other budget-friendly neighborhoods. One of the biggest draws is The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which offers discounted admission for locals and has a beautiful walking trail along Big Creek. The food scene is growing here too, with spots like Gus’s Family Restaurant, a no-frills diner known for its massive breakfast plates.
7. West Boulevard
Average 1-bedroom rent: $775
Average 2-bedroom rent: $995
Neighborhood highlights: Tree-lined streets, vintage charm, local bakeries
West Boulevard is known for its historic early 20th-century homes and tree-lined streets. Halloran Park is a big draw with a community rec center, ice skating rink, and plenty of green space. The neighborhood is also near Westown Square, a convenient shopping area with grocery stores and essential retail. While public transit is available, many residents rely on cars. I-90 and I-71 make commuting to downtown or the western suburbs easy.
8. Puritas – Longmead
Average 1-bedroom rent: $775
Average 2-bedroom rent: $875
Neighborhood highlights: Easy airport access, nearby Metroparks, commuter-friendly
Puritas – Longmead is one of the most well-connected neighborhoods in Cleveland. This makes it a great choice for renters who need access to public transit and major highways. The Puritas RTA Station on the Red Line provides an easy commute to downtown. Additionally, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is just a short drive away. Riverside Park is a great spot for outdoor activities, and the nearby Rocky River Reservation has scenic hiking trails and picnic areas.
9. Goodrich – Kirtland Park
Average 1-bedroom rent: $799
Average 2-bedroom rent: $949
Neighborhood highlights: Waterfront views, cultural diversity, near AsiaTown
Located just east of Playhouse Square, Goodrich – Kirtland Park has access to Cleveland’s arts district, sports arenas, and lakefront parks. AsiaTown, a cultural hub, is right next door, meaning you have access to some of the best Asian restaurants and markets in Cleveland. For example, Li Wah for dim sum and Park to Shop for fresh produce and specialty groceries. If you want a walkable, transit-friendly neighborhood full of cultural experiences, Goodrich – Kirtland Park is a great pick.
10. Cedar – Central
Average 1-bedroom rent: $829
Average 2-bedroom rent: $1,050
Neighborhood highlights: Close to Cleveland State, historic roots, transit-friendly
Cedar – Central has a prime location near Cleveland State University. The area has older apartments, public housing, and new developments as part of ongoing revitalization efforts. The E. 79th Street RTA Station on the Red and Blue Lines makes commuting simple, and you’re just minutes from downtown. The neighborhood also has a rich cultural history, with landmarks like the Quincy Avenue Historic District showcasing Cleveland’s past.
11. North Collinwood
Average 1-bedroom rent: $849
Average 2-bedroom rent: $949
Neighborhood highlights: Lake Erie views, Waterloo Arts District, music venues
North Collinwood provides renters with a unique mix of lakefront access, creative spaces, and historic homes. The biggest draw is Euclid Beach Park, a scenic stretch of Lake Erie perfect for walking, picnicking, or catching a sunset. The area is home to the Waterloo Arts District, where you’ll find galleries, live music venues like The Beachland Ballroom, and funky vintage shops. It’s also a bike-friendly neighborhood, with paths connecting to Gordon Park and the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve.
Methodology: All neighborhoods listed are based on Cleveland’s Rental Market Trends on Rent.com. Average rental data sourced from February 2025.
