House Hacking Investing in Cleveland, OH
Data-driven house hacking analysis for Cleveland, OH — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.
Last updated: May 2026
Score Breakdown
Key Metrics for House Hacking
Median Price
$105,000
FHA 3.5% down: $3,675
Median Rent
$1,100/mo
Per-unit rental income
Vacancy Rate
10.0%
Elevated
Pop. Growth
-2.1%
5-year trend
House Hacking Investment Thesis
Cleveland remains one of the top cash-flow markets in the US. The Tremont and Ohio City neighborhoods have seen strong rent growth while maintaining investor-friendly price points.
How Cleveland Compares
| Rank | City | House Hack Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #2 | Huntsville, AL | 5.9 | 7.1% | $260,000 |
| #3 | Dayton, OH | 5.8 | 8.8% | $95,000 |
| #4 | Des Moines, IA | 5.8 | 6.6% | $200,000 |
| #5 | Cleveland, OH | 5.7 | 9.8% | $105,000 |
| #6 | Detroit, MI | 5.6 | 11.2% | $85,000 |
| #7 | Toledo, OH | 5.6 | 9.0% | $88,000 |
| #8 | Columbus, OH | 5.5 | 6.8% | $240,000 |
Showing markets ranked near Cleveland for this strategy.
Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return
Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the house hack score for Cleveland, OH?
Cleveland, OH scores 5.7 out of 10 on our house hack score, ranking #5 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: affordable entry price (30%), rent-to-price ratio (25%), low vacancy (20%), population growth (15%), livability/income (10%). Scale 0–10.
Is Cleveland a good city for house hacking investing?
Yes — Cleveland, OH ranks in the top 10 for house hacking investing with a score of 5.7/10. Key factors include a median home price of $105,000, cap rate of 9.8%, and population growth of -2.1%.
What is the average cap rate in Cleveland?
The average cap rate in Cleveland, OH is 9.8%. The median home price is $105,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,100, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 1.05%.
What are the property taxes in Cleveland?
The effective property tax rate in Cleveland, OH is 2.19%. On a $105,000 property, that translates to approximately $2,300 per year in property taxes.
How does Cleveland compare to other house hacking markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, Cleveland, OH ranks #5 for house hacking investing. It is one of the top-performing markets for this strategy.
Can I FHA-finance a house hack in Cleveland?
With a median home price of $105,000, most 2-4 unit properties in Cleveland, OH should fall within FHA loan limits. An FHA loan with 3.5% down would require approximately $3,675 as a down payment. Rental income from additional units (median $1,100/month each) can significantly offset your mortgage payment.
Run Your Own Numbers for Cleveland
Use our free calculators pre-filled with Cleveland, OH market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.
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