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. Ask the leasing office for the specific unit's average monthly bill rather than a city-wide figure — utility costs vary more by building age and insulation than by location within Akron.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Akron?
West Akron / Firestone Park is the most affordable of the 3 Akron neighborhoods covered here, at $750/month for a one-bedroom — $200 less than Highland Square, roughly a 21% gap. That swing is often bigger than any fee or amenity difference between two buildings in the same neighborhood, which is why comparing across neighborhoods matters as much as comparing within one.
Is Akron expensive to rent in?
Across the 3 neighborhoods covered here, the average one-bedroom in Akron runs about $867/month before fees, utilities, and amenities are added — and those add-ons are exactly what a bare average hides. Akron's affordability is its defining rental market characteristic. Run the specific units you are considering through RentCompare to see the true all-in monthly cost rather than relying on an area average.

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