Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Dayton, OH

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Dayton are Eastern Hills, Five Oaks, and Walnut Hills-Montgomery. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Dayton, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 22, 2025, the average rent in Dayton is $998, which is 3.3% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Eastern Hills

Average Rent

$735/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

18 Rentals

Eastern Hills is a quiet, residential neighborhood located roughly four miles from the University of Dayton. Renters will enjoy the suburban feel while still being close to campus, as well as to nearby shopping and dining options.

Five Oaks

Average Rent

$769/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

16 Rentals

Five Oaks is a historic neighborhood located less than two miles from downtown Dayton. In addition to the city’s shops, restaurants, and entertainment, the neighborhood is near several popular parks, including MetroPark, which is situated along the Miami River and is a popular spot for festivals and events.

Walnut Hills-Montgomery

Average Rent

$786/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.7%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

Situated east of the University of Dayton, the Walnut Hills-Montgomery neighborhood provides fast access to campus. The neighborhood is named for the large number of walnut trees in the area, which shade some of the cobblestone streets that still exist in this well-established neighborhood. While mostly residential, renters will find a variety of stores, restaurants, and other businesses along Wayne Avenue.

Belmont

Average Rent

$823/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

26 Rentals

Belmont is adjacent to the University of Dayton, making it a popular location for students. Downtown Dayton is a few miles northwest of Belmont, and commuters can reach the city center by taking County Road 48. The neighborhood contains a variety of shops and restaurants, especially along Watervliet Avenue.

Grafton Hill

Average Rent

$839/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.3%

TransitScore® Rating

2/100

Units Available

42 Rentals

Grafton Hill is a historic neighborhood known for its beautiful architecture and proximity to the Dayton Art Institute. Renters will enjoy the quiet, tree-lined streets and access to local parks and cultural attractions.

Fort McKinley

Average Rent

$875/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.4%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

16 Rentals

Fort McKinley is a large neighborhood on the northwest side of Dayton. It’s home to the Miami Valley Golf Club and is east of the vast Sycamore State Park, which covers 2,384 acres and offers trails, fishing, and winter sports.

Shroyer Park

Average Rent

$904/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.1%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

28 Rentals

Shroyer Park offers spacious homes and tree-lined streets. Renters will enjoy the proximity to the University of Dayton, parks, and shopping centers. The neighborhood provides a peaceful suburban retreat with easy access to downtown Dayton.

Rean Meadows

Average Rent

$948/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

21 Rentals

Rean Meadows is an affordable neighborhood in Dayton with an average rent price of $948. Compare this to the city average of $998. Rean Meadows provides easy access to Wright State University, James M Cox Dayton International, and Narrows Reserve and Nature Center. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 40.

Wilmington Hills

Average Rent

$950/Month

Units Available

15 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Dayton, Wilmington Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $950, while the city’s average stands at $998. Wilmington Hills is near SugarCreek MetroPark, Spring Lakes Park, and Point Plaza.

Parkview Estates

Average Rent

$950/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

Parkview Estates is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Parkview Estates is $950 while the city average is $998. Residents enjoy convenient access to Narrows Reserve and Nature Center, Point Plaza, and Central State University. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 40.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.