Cost of Living in Columbus, OH [2025]

The title of the state capital isn’t all that Columbus, Ohio, has going for it. The city is a sports lover’s haven (Go Buckeyes!), home to wonderful parks, boasting a ton of history and offering many different employment opportunities for careers across multiple industries.

If moving to Columbus sounds like a dream come true, don’t let your bank account hold you back. Finding an apartment that you can afford in the city starts with understanding the cost of living in Columbus and how to build a budget.

This guide will help you with both!

Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of living in Columbus and how to determine how much you can afford to pay in rent each month. Let’s get started!

Cost of Living in Columbus, OH

What Is the Cost of Living in Columbus, OH?

If you want to take advantage of "the Biggest Small Town in America", you'll enjoy a reasonable cost of living and a strong economy. The cost of living in Columbus is currently 0% below the average city in our database, with residents spending on average $4,496 a month.

Best Places also offers more insights into different cost of living categories to give you an idea of how much you'll spend on different areas in Columbus. They estimate Columbus is 8.6% lower than the U.S. average. Here's how their data breaks down:

Where is the Cost of Living Highest in Columbus, OH?

Columbus, Ohio, is more expensive than many places in Ohio. You'll pay a premium if you want to live in an apartment with all of the amenities in a walkable area. Downtown Columbus is currently among the most expensive neighborhoods to live in Columbus. The average rent is $1,176 for a studio, $1,428 for a 1-bedroom, $1,721 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,157 for a 3-bedroom.

Where is the Cost of Living Lowest in Columbus, OH?

The more affordable areas of Columbus, OH are quieter and away from the action. Currently, North Linden is among the cheapest neighborhoods for renters in the Columbus metro area. Rents range from $750 to $800. It's important to check the crime ratings of any inexpensive neighborhood and weigh your safety options before signing a lease.

How Much Is Rent in Columbus?

As of February 2025, the overall median rent in Columbus, Ohio is $1,265. These prices reflect a 1.1% year-over-year. The rent growth fell behind the state average (2.1%) over the last year, but outpaced the national average (-0.5%). If you're looking for a one-bedroom apartment, you'll spend a median of $1,092 a month. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is median $1,307 a month.

How Much is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Columbus, OH?

Looking over the data from our latest rent report from February 2025, the median cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Columbus, OH, was $1,092.

How Much is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Columbus, OH?

If you want more room or are looking for an apartment with a roommate, you can look to the data from our rent report. In February 2025 the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Columbus, OH, cost was $1,307.

How Much is Housing in Columbus, OH?

If you're considering purchasing a home in Columbus, OH, you'll find that prices have gone up. Compared to the rest of Ohio, Columbus is considerably more expensive. Currently, the median home price in Columbus is $220,100. In comparison, the median home price in the rest of Ohio is $197,000. There is good news for future home buyers. The median home price in the rest of the U.S. is $338,100, making Columbus a bargain for house hunters.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Columbus, OH?

If you're ready to start looking for your next apartment, it's important to make sure you can afford it. We recommend following the 30% rule, which states only spending 30% of your take-home pay or less on rent. If you rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,097 a month in Columbus, you should earn at least $43,880 a year, $3,656.66 a month, or $22.77 per hour.

It's also a good idea to consider the living wage, which is what it takes to live above the poverty line and what is considered a "normal standard of living." According to MIT's data, the living wage in Columbus, Ohio, is $20.96 an hour, which is about $43,597 per year.

You can also look into what the U.S. Census Bureau data says. It shows the median household income at $65,327 a year, which is good news for renters. Although the median household income in the U.S. is $78,538, Columbus comes with a lower cost of living and housing.

Keep in mind apartments with move-in specials often offer discounts or waived fees, so you’re sure to save big. If you're uncertain about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before making a long-term 12-month commitment.

How Much Are Utilities in Columbus, OH?

Ah yes, apartment utilities. The convenience of working outlets, clean water, and heating will cost you each month. As the average utility bill in the US costs $206.44, it's important to note that the average utility bill in Columbus is higher at $257.16 per month. That rate will cover basic utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and fuel. If you add on a basic phone plan Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), you'll spend another $129.73 a month for a total of $386.89.

Of course, your utility costs will vary depending on how much you use and the size of your household. For example, if you’re the parent of two teenage boys who play sports, you’re going to be running your water bill up with tons of laundry loads and (hopefully) lots of showering.

That said, you can estimate your utility costs with relative ease after the first full month of moving to a new place, so just be sure to set a slightly higher budget line for the first month to cover any unexpectedly higher rates.

How Much Is Transportation in Columbus, OH?

According to data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, the average single Columbus resident spends a whopping $10,174 on transportation costs annually. A family of four with two working adults and two children spends $17,066 on transportation annually or $1180.33 monthly.

This is largely because Columbus is a car-dependent city with a 41 walk score, a 30 transit score, and a 48 bike score. If you’re determined to get around by walking or via cycling, you’ll have to consider your commute and which amenities are nearby.

Public transportation in Columbus isn’t great, but it is functional. So, if you must get on a bus to get around, you will have to carefully plan your trip and allot more time, but it’s still possible.

It comes down to cost and convenience. Not having a car in Columbus is inconvenient. However, with annual pricing for a bus pass in Columbus at $744, the potential to save thousands of dollars might make the inconvenience worth it.

How Much Is Food in Columbus, OH?

While Columbus isn’t known as a foodie paradise, there are still plenty of great local restaurants. If you choose a night of cheap takeout, expect to pay around $20 for a meal. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial and high-tier than a fast food meal, you can expect to pay $75, plus tip.

Fortunately, buying groceries and cooking at home is a much more affordable option. A single Columbus resident can expect to spend $4,168 on groceries on average, while a family of four spends $12,249.

If you’re looking for low-cost groceries in Columbus, head over to any one of the many Aldi locations they have in the city. You’ll have a hard time finding a cheaper store, without sacrificing quality.

If you're a frugal shopper, you can head to one of the many Columbus farmer’s markets throughout the season. It’s a great way to get some low-cost fruits and vegetables, and artisanal goat soaps, if you’re into that.

How Much Is Healthcare in Columbus?

If you are a single individual that receives health insurance coverage through your job, expect to pay $3,132 for medical costs annually. However, for a family of four living in Columbus, the average medical cost increases to $8,647 annually.

Healthcare.gov is the place to go if you are in the market for health insurance. Head over to their site if you are uninsured and want to avoid shouldering the full cost for any major medical issues.

Columbus Fitness and Entertainment Costs

After the bills are paid, savings are stashed, and any other debts are managed, most people set the remaining funds toward fitness and entertainment costs or what MIT’s Living Wage Calculator calls “civic costs.”

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the average single Columbus resident spends $240.75 monthly or $2,889 annually on entertainment and recreation. A family of four spends just over $624 monthly or $7,409 annually on these same costs. To give you an idea of what a singular activity like a movie costs, you'll spend $12 per ticket, excluding snacks and drinks.

Here’s a look at what you might spend your entertainment and recreation budget on as a Columbus resident.

Columbus Fitness Costs

Staying fit adds years to your life and helps you look and feel great, so it’s a win-win-win situation. You don’t get many of those in life.

That said, whether you’re a die-hard fitness fanatic or just want to get out of the house, maintaining a membership at a gym can get costly. The average cost of monthly gym membership in Columbus sits at $46.25 or $555 on the year.

If you love frugality and fitness, walking, running, and casual cycling are some low-cost ways to stay in shape throughout the year.

Explore Local Parks for Free

Columbus operates an impressive public park system. If you’re unsure how to spend your day off, heading to one of these parks is sure to guarantee a good time. How can you have a bad time at a 13-acre rose garden or a literal topiary that has inspired famous artworks?

If you’re interested in recreation that doesn’t focus on enjoying the views, Columbus parks feature basketball courts, trails, ponds, picnic areas, and more. Plus, it’s free, so your wallet will thank you!

Head to an OSU Game

If you move to Columbus, prepare to be around dedicated Ohio State University fans. The university’s football team is very popular and draws huge crowds for home games.

Football season tickets start at $559 per ticket, but there are far less expensive options. That said, ticket costs vary greatly depending on the opponent. For example, tickets for a home game against Arkansas State start at $62, while home game tickets against Notre Dame and Michigan start at $149. So, pick the game opponent carefully!

Other Expenses to Consider in Columbus

One of the most commonly overlooked expenses to consider in Columbus is taxes. While most budgeters don’t pay attention to sales tax differences from locale to locale, sales tax rates can mean more or less money in your pocket at the end of the month.

Additionally, while it’s uncommon, some cities levy their own income tax, so it’s important to know how much you’ll be paying at the end of the year.

We’ve broken down the hidden expenses you’ll need to consider in Columbus.

• City-Level Income Tax: Columbus is one of those rare cities that levies an income. Expect to pay a 2.5%income tax when living in Columbus.
• State-Level Income Tax: Ohio levies a state income tax on a sliding scale, so your tax rate will depend on your income. That said, you should be sure to check out the income tax policy rate for your income to consider it for your budget.
• State and City Combined Sales Tax: The state of Ohio and the city of Columbus levy a combined 7.5% sales tax rate. So, if you are coming from a city like New York where the sales tax rate is 8.5%, you may notice your bills being slightly lower.

Ready to Find an Apartment in Columbus?

This hidden gem nestled in the heart of Ohio is more than just a city – it's a vibrant, dynamic community. However, cost of living should be a significant factor when considering a move. Be sure you're financially prepared to embrace all that Columbus has to offer. It's not just about being able to afford the rent; it's about having the means to enjoy and explore the city's richness fully.

And If you feel you're ready to embark on this exciting journey and call Columbus your new home, we're here to help! Simply start browsing apartments in Columbus, or take our quiz to help you find the perfect neighborhood and apartment for your lifestyle and budget.

FAQs about Cost of Living in Columbus in 2025

How expensive Is an apartment in Columbus?

A one-bedroom apartment in Columbus costs $1,092. A two-bedroom apartment in Columbus costs $1,307 a month.

What Is the cheapest rent in Columbus?

A one-bedroom apartment is the cheapest rent in Columbus. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Columbus is currently $1,092. A two-bedroom apartment in Columbus is more expensive at $1,307.

How expensive Is It to live in Columbus?

Living in Columbus is relatively affordable. In Columbus, rent averages $1,092 for a one-bedroom apartment. Transportation costs in Columbus amount to $10,174 a year. Food costs $4,168 a year on average for a single resident of Columbus.

Is Dayton cheaper than Columbus?

Dayton is currently cheaper than Columbus. A one-bedroom in Columbus costs $1,092 and a two-bedroom sits at $1,307. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dayton is $768 and a two-bedroom median rent is $1,043 a month.

How far Is Cleveland from Columbus?

Columbus is 142 miles away from Cleveland. It takes 2 hours and 8 minutes to get to Cleveland from Columbus by car, 14 hours by bike, and 46 hours by foot.

How far Is Columbus from Chicago?

Columbus is 357 miles away from Chicago. It takes 5 hours and 30 minutes to get to Chicago from Columbus by car, 31 hours by bike, and 100 hours by foot.

How far Is Columbus from Cincinnati?

Columbus is 109 miles away from Cincinnati. It takes 1 hour and 35 minutes to get to Cincinnati from Columbus by car, 10 hours by bike, and 36 hours by foot.

How far Is Springfield from Columbus?

Columbus is 384 miles away from Springfield. It takes 5 hours and 46 minutes to get to Springfield from Columbus by car, 32 hours by bike, and 123 hours by foot.

What Is the population of Columbus?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Columbus is 913,175. It is the most populated city in the state of Ohio.