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

Compare Apartments in Akron

Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.

Renting in Akron: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Akron?
One-bedroom apartments in Akron range from $750/month in West Akron / Firestone Park to $950/month in Highland Square. Two-bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,300/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Akron?
In Akron, electricity is provided by Ohio Edison (FirstEnergy), water by Akron Division of Water Supply, and common internet providers include Spectrum, AT&T Internet, Windstream. Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Akron?
West Akron / Firestone Park is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Akron, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $750/month. 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. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is Akron expensive to rent in?
Akron's affordability is its defining rental market characteristic. Highland Square offers genuine urban walkability at prices 30–40% below Cleveland's Ohio City. Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in Akron — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

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