True Cost of Renting in Akron, OH
Akron sits 40 miles south of Cleveland on I-77, historically the world capital of rubber tire manufacturing and today home to a growing polymer science research cluster anchored by the University of Akron. The city's proximity to Cleveland has made it increasingly attractive as a lower-cost alternative for Cleveland Clinic and Downtown Cleveland workers who don't mind a 40-minute commute.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Highland Square
- Studio:
- $750/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $950/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,300/mo
Akron's most walkable and desirable neighborhood along West Market Street; independent restaurants, coffee shops, and a strong arts community. Mix of older apartment buildings and converted single-family homes. Metro RTA bus access. FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison) electric.
Downtown Akron
- Studio:
- $700/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $900/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,200/mo
Revitalizing urban core with loft apartments in former rubber factory buildings; Canal Park baseball stadium and civic venues nearby. University of Akron immediately adjacent. METRO RTA bus hub. Affordable urban loft living with historic industrial character.
West Akron / Firestone Park
- Studio:
- $550/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $750/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,000/mo
Affordable residential neighborhoods with a working-class character; historic company housing built for Firestone and Goodyear workers. Some of Akron's most affordable rentals. Older building stock means variable heating costs in winter.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- Ohio Edison (FirstEnergy)
- Water
- Akron Division of Water Supply
- Internet
- Spectrum, AT&T Internet, Windstream
Commute & Transportation
Akron is 40 miles south of Cleveland on I-77 — the drive to downtown Cleveland takes 40–50 minutes in normal traffic. I-76 (Ohio Turnpike east-west corridor) intersects Akron, connecting to Youngstown (50 miles east) and Canton (25 miles south). The Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK) offers budget carrier service including Allegiant and Frontier. Akron Transit (Metro RTA) provides bus service. The University of Akron is a major employment anchor on the south end of Downtown. Summa Health and Cleveland Clinic Akron General are major healthcare employers.
Rental Market Overview
Akron's affordability is its defining rental market characteristic. Highland Square offers genuine urban walkability at prices 30–40% below Cleveland's Ohio City. The polymer science research cluster at the University of Akron and the Akron Global Business Accelerator support tech startup employment. Ohio Edison electric rates are comparable to other FirstEnergy Ohio utilities. The Cleveland proximity creates a class of Akron residents who commute north — these renters typically occupy the better-maintained stock in Highland Square and Bath Road corridors.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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