20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options;-As if paying for college wasn’t expensive enough, living expenses on top of tuition can be quite difficult. For students on an average college budget, off-campus accommodation, food, and transportation can be expensive. Fortunately, there is a wide range across college towns.

Ohio is far more economical to live in than many of its Midwest neighbors, with a cost of living that is around 12% lower than the national average. For students enrolled in any of Ohio’s more than 130 colleges and universities, this is fantastic news.

Methodology for College Towns in Ohio

Our editors compiled a list of all Ohio’s college towns using Wikipedia, and then utilized Sperling’s Best Places to rate them according to overall affordability. We analyzed housing, food, health, transportation, and utility costs to the national average in order to determine which college towns are the most cheap. Before reducing our list to the 20 most affordable college towns in Ohio, we also took into account aspects like amenities, crime rates, public transit, and general quality of life.

20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

1.Youngstown

University of Youngstown
Cost of living: 17.1% below state average and 29.4% below national average
Youngstown was just awarded the finest college town in the Midwest by America Unraveled due to its small-town atmosphere, distinctive history, abundant green areas, and magnificent collection of historic buildings. Youngstown was even named the fourth greatest city in the United States to raise a family by Forbes, citing the area’s low crime rate and high standard of living.

A vibrant local sports scene presents both players and sports enthusiasts with several opportunities. There are many of activities, a community theater, and a walkable downtown area. Costs for utilities, food, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment are all lower than the national average. Less than 25% of Americans pay for housing.

2.Akron

College of Akron
Cost of living: 14.3% less than the state average and 26.6% less than the national average.
Akron is the exception to the rule that cities aren’t sympathetic to students’ budgets. In comparison to other mid-size cities, Akron’s housing expenses are remarkably cheap at only 33% of the national average, and it also has reduced expenditures for entertainment, food, healthcare, and other essentials. Residents of Akron can afford to take advantage of the city’s various amenities and activities because to all the money they save on housing. The F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, a zoo, a performance venue, and many more attractions are among them.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

3.Nelsonville

The cost of living at Hocking College is 12.9% lower than the state average and 25.2% less than the national average.
Nelsonville is the epitome of an Ohio college town with a full-time population of over 5,000 and a college with almost 6,000 students. It takes just three minutes to get to Hocking College, recognized for its technical programs, from the picture-perfect downtown. Nelsonville is a great place for students to live because housing costs are around 60% lower than the national average. Numerous community activities are scheduled throughout the year, and the town’s vibrant tourism industry supports a strong local economy.

4.Tiffin

Heidelberg University, Tiffin University
Cost of living: 10.5% below the state average and 22.8% below the national average.
Tiffin University and Heidelberg University are the two principal universities in Tiffin. Tiffin is a fantastic area for students, young professionals, families, and retirees due to its cheaper cost of living than the national and state norms.

Tourism hotspots include a nature center, a theme park, and different museums. A walkable downtown area, public libraries, and parks offer inhabitants all they require for a high quality of life. The price of utilities in Tiffin is somewhat in line with the national average. The cost of housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment is cheaper than the national average.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

5.Toledo

Davis College, Mercy College of Ohio, University of Toledo, and Herzing University
Cost of living: 10.2% less than the state average and 22.4% less than the national average.
Toledo is one of the most reasonably priced little cities in the United States and is home to numerous schools and universities. In Toledo, lodging expenses are typically 64% less expensive than in comparable cities.

This implies that there are numerous possibilities for economical accommodation available to students. Additionally, the average cost of entertainment is lower than the national average, which is good news given how much Toledo’s diverse array of entertainment options enhance the city’s quality of life. Interestingly, Toledo was ranked eighth on a list of “America’s Manliest Cities” even though it consistently ranks as one of the greatest cities in which to live and raise a family.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

6.Ashland

Cost of living at Ashland University is 7.4% less than the state average and 19.7% less than the national average.
Who wouldn’t want to call a facility “The World Headquarters for Nice People” their home? The student population in Ashland gives the quaint little town a special zest and energy. The cost of living is less expensive here than it is nationally and in the state as a whole, and students who want to live off campus should budget around $550 for a one-bedroom apartment. Costs for entertainment, electricity, healthcare, food, and transportation are also lower than the national average.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

7.Wooster

Cost of living at College of Wooster is 5% below state average and 17.3% below national average.
Students at the College of Wooster will probably consider the town of Wooster to be affluent and sophisticated. It’s pleasant to stroll around the walkable downtown area. Locally owned stores, boutiques, and cafes stretch its length. The fact that food expenditures are around 7% lower here than they are nationwide is encouraging given Wooster’s excellent dining options. Great entertainment may be found at the Wooster-based Ohio Light Opera, and the Amish region of Ohio begins just outside the city.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

8.Oberlin

Cost of Living at Oberlin College: 16.7% Less than the National Average; 4.4% decreases from the state average
Oberlin has been a college town ever since a Presbyterian pastor and a missionary built the town and institution together in 1833. Today, Oberlin is a vibrant, politically engaged community renowned for its progressive student body.

Food prices are around 7% lower than the national average, and there are many downtown eateries that are affordable for students. Costs for entertainment, utilities, transportation, and healthcare are all lower than the national average. Oberlin housing expenses are only about 72% of the national average, which will please students who choose to live off campus.

9.Findlay

College of Findlay
Cost of living: 3.3% less than the state average and 15.6% less than the national average.
It was named twice by America’s Promise Alliance as one of the “Top 100 Communities for Young People.” Findlay is a small Ohio town with a well-regarded university, a lively local scene, and an affordable cost of living. Only 74% of the national average is spent on housing, thus a student can rent a one-bedroom apartment for roughly $564 per month. Healthcare, food, and transportation are all below average. Given that Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay consistently ranks among the best hospitals in the country, low healthcare expenditures are especially welcome news.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

10.Athens

The cost of living at Ohio University is 13.1% less than the national average and.8% less than the state average.
Athens is an affluent municipality that manages to be both laid-back and a ton of fun at the same time.

It is home to the oldest college in Ohio. The cost of living in Athens is greater than the average in Ohio but lower than the national average, with the exception of transportation (there isn’t much public transportation here). Popular eateries and breweries, as well as a developing arts and music scene, can be found in the historic downtown. Students who like to have fun will particularly like Athens in the fall when the city hosts a Halloween party that draws visitors from far and wide.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

Read;20 Most Affordable Michigan College Towns

11.Kent

the University of Kent
Living expenses are 12.9% less than the national average and are.6% lower. decreases from the state average
Kent has seen significant development in recent years, cementing its reputation as a vibrant and endearing college town. Both the university and the downtown have been revitalized thanks to more than $100 million in private and public funding. The community is home to numerous eateries, stores, and clubs that cater to students.

The cost of living in Kent is over 13% less than the national average, yet this upscale-feeling neighborhood is perfectly in line with Ohio’s average. Every significant cost-of-living category is below the average across the board. The best part is that housing still only accounts for 74% of average American costs.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

12.Berea

Cost of living at Baldwin Wallace University: 11.3% 1% higher than the state average; 1% lower than the national average
Berea is a small, close-knit community with a long history as a college town, while being only 15 miles from downtown Cleveland. Indeed, less than ten years after Berea itself, Baldwin Wallace University was established in 1845. The old and picturesque downtown is still beautiful today, with a mix of independently owned businesses and chain restaurants. The only cost of living category that ranks higher than the national average is entertainment. The cost of housing is only 73% of the national average.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

13.Cincinnati

Mount St. Joseph University, Xavier University, and University of Cincinnati
Cost of living: 1.9% below the state average and 10.4% below the national average.
Its numerous schools and universities, youthful and energetic attitude, prime Midwest location, and lower cost of living than most other cities its size all contribute to the city’s appeal.

Cincinnati is a great location to attend college. There are numerous apartments and houses to select from in and around the city, and housing expenses are just about 70% of the national average. The cost of utilities, food (many excellent restaurants), healthcare (world-class hospitals), and entertainment (two professional sports franchises) is also lower than the average for the United States.

14.Bowling Green

University of Bowling Green
Living expenses: 10% 2.3% less than the national average a level above the state average
The municipality of Bowling Green, which is home to Bowling Green State University, is both secure and reasonably priced. Additionally, it has a relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent college town for living and working. Even though it is a little more expensive than in most Ohio towns, this place is still affordable for students. Only entertainment expenses often fall within the range.

Costs for utilities, food, healthcare, and transportation are all lower than the national average. Bowling Green offers a variety of housing options close to college, which will please those wishing to live off campus. The national average for housing prices is only about 83%.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

15.Columbus

The cost of living at Ohio State University is 2.7% more expensive than the state average but 9.6% less expensive than the national average.
Despite not being a typical college town, The Ohio State University’s 66,000 students tend to dominate Columbus.

Nearly every store, eatery, café, and bar north of the city’s center seems to cater to the enormous student population. There are numerous inexpensive options for entertainment around the university and in the city. These include, among others, Mirror Lake, the galleries at the Wexner Center for the Arts, and the lovely Thompson Library. Housing costs are approximately 75% of the national average. The average cost of food, healthcare, and entertainment is also below the national average.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

16.Oxford

Miami College
Cost of living: 4% more than the state average and 8.3% lower than the national average.
Oxford is the quintessential example of a lovely college town and is home to Miami University, the second-oldest university in Ohio. The town’s largest employment is without a doubt the university, which has 2,100 acres, 188 buildings, and 19,500 students.

The university has a significant economic impact on the community, so there are many possibilities for students to find affordable housing, meals, and entertainment to keep them occupied. The “uptown” portion of Oxford’s downtown is a pleasant area to meander through. The nearby Hueston Woods State Park is the ideal vacation location for a day of golf, boating, or hiking.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

17.Hiram

Cost of living at Hiram College: 6.4% 5.9% less than the national average a level above the state average
President James Garfield once lived in Hiram, which is also where Hiram College is located (where Garfield attended and even taught). The historic downtown is a great place for students to hang out, and Hiram students especially prefer eating at places like Gionino’s Pizzeria.

Hiram serves as the official starting point for canoe tours of the Upper Cuyahoga River for individuals who enjoy the great outdoors. Hiram is a wealthy community with a general cost of living that is barely below the national average. Costs for food, healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation, and entertainment are all lower than the median in the United States.

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18.Gambier

Cost of living at Kenyon College: 4.4% 7.9% less than the national average a level above the state average
Gambier, which is home to top-ranked Kenyon College, has a cost of living that is higher than the state average for Ohio but only somewhat below the national average. Gambier’s lovely rural setting contributes to its higher cost of living. Gambier is a quaint, endearing, and close-knit community that is surrounded by gently undulating hills and the Kokosing River.

To meet the needs of the populace, the downtown features stores and eateries. Columbus is a short drive away, which will please those who occasionally need the conveniences of a big metropolis. Check out Gambier if you’re looking for charm among Ohio college towns.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

19.Yellow Springs

Antioch College’s cost of living is 16% more expensive than the state average and 3.7% more expensive than the national average.
Yellow Springs won’t let down people who prefer their Ohio college towns to be eccentric and artistic. This close-knit little town, which is the location of Antioch College, is populated by students, artists, businesspeople, and other creative types. Street fairs and other artistic events are frequently scheduled on the local calendar.

The Glen Helen Nature Reserve and the neighboring John Bryan State Park are the ideal locations for unwinding and getting creative. All three categories—housing, utilities, and entertainment—are slightly higher than the national average. Costs for food, health care, and transportation are often below average.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023

20.Granville

Cost of living at Denison University is 16% more than the national average and 28.3% more than the state average.
Granville, a picturesque and affluent small town about 30 miles east of Columbus, is the location of Denison University. The town has a definite New England vibe, especially in the downtown area, which is surrounded by old buildings.

Despite the fact that Denison’s campus is located on a hill, students frequently travel into town to visit the numerous specialty stores and eateries that serve the student population. The cost of housing is generally 69% higher in Granville than it is nationwide. But thankfully for Denison students who live on campus, the average cost of food, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment is lower than or comparable to the national average.20 Most Affordable Ohio College Town Options 2023