Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Dayton, OH

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Dayton are Old Dayton, Five Oaks, and Eastern Hills. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Dayton, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 22, 2026, the average rent in Dayton is $1,008, which is 2.2% 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.

Old Dayton

Average Rent

$711/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

Units Available

16 Rentals

Old Dayton is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Old Dayton is $711 while the city average is $1,008. This is a 1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Gettysburg Plaza, National Aviation Heritage Area, and Central State University.

Five Oaks

Average Rent

$752/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

9.7%

Units Available

10 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.

Eastern Hills

Average Rent

$781/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.2%

Units Available

16 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.

Grafton Hill

Average Rent

$798/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.1%

Units Available

41 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.

Walnut Hills-Montgomery

Average Rent

$798/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.7%

Units Available

13 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

$828/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.1%

Units Available

27 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.

Shroyer Park

Average Rent

$860/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.2%

Units Available

21 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.

Fort McKinley

Average Rent

$917/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.7%

Units Available

17 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.

Northwest

Average Rent

$968/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.2%

Units Available

55 Rentals

Northwest Dayton offers a suburban atmosphere with easy access to local parks, schools, and shopping centers. Renters will appreciate the affordable housing options and the convenient access to downtown Dayton.

Rean Meadows

Average Rent

$979/Month

Units Available

21 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Dayton neighborhood on a budget, check out Rean Meadows. The average rent is $979, compared to the city average of $1,008. Rean Meadows is convenient to Oak Creek Plaza, Huffman MetroPark, and James M Cox Dayton International.

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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.