Cost of Living in Columbus, OH 2023

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, boasts a ton of history and offers 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!

Columbus Housing Costs

If you’re looking to make the move to Columbus, keep an eye on the rising price trend. Although the city is far from becoming a high cost of living city, Columbus rent prices have increased by 6.3% in a year-over-year comparison. Though increases have been consistent for the last ten months, there was a no change over the past month. Columbus' rent growth outpaced the state average of 5.4% and the national average of 4.0%.

Here’s a look at the average rent in Columbus.

The average rent for a Columbus one-bedroom apartment is $1,056 and the average rent for a Columbus 2-bedroom apartment is $1,273.

All in all, Columbus apartments are still relatively affordable, so you won’t break the bank when renting in the city. If you’re a renter looking for the best deals on your next apartment, keep an eye out for move-in specials in Columbus.

Apartments with move-in specials often offer discounts or waived fees, so you’re sure to save big.

Finding the Best Columbus Apartment for You

If you're uncertain about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before making a long-term 12 month commitment. If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no credit check apartments. Lastly, if you prefer to rent from the owner of an apartment and have a more personal relationship with them rather than property managers, consider a for rent by owner apartment.

Columbus Transportation Costs

According to data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, the average single Columbus resident spends a whopping $5,356 on transportation costs annually. That’s about $446.33 a month. A family of four with two working adults and two children spends $14,164 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.

Columbus Food Costs

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 $15 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 $67.50, plus tip.

Fortunately, buying groceries and cooking at home is a much more affordable option. A single Columbus resident can expect to spend $4,010 on groceries on average, while a family of four spends $11,812.

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.

Columbus Healthcare Costs

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.

That said, many jobs provide employees with health insurance. If you are a single individual that receives health insurance coverage through your job, expect to pay $3,262 for medical costs annually. However, for a family of four living in Columbus, the average medical cost increases to $8,540 annually.

Columbus Utility Costs

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 $181.25, it's important to note that that the average utility bill in Columbus is higher at 235.38 per month. That rate will cover basic utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and fuel. If you add on Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), you'll spend another $67.28 a month for a total of $302.66.

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 unexpected higher rates.

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 $241.16 monthly or $2,894 annually on entertainment and recreation. A family of four spends just over $624 monthly or $7,496 annually on these same costs.

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 $41.77 or $501.24 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.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Columbus?

When moving to Columbus, ensure that you are earning enough to live comfortably. The amount needed to live comfortably will vary depending on your personal circumstances, but using the 30% rule can help you create a budget that works for you.

The 30% rule states that an individual should only spend 30% of their gross income on rent at most. However, you don’t have to take out a calculator, just check out our rent calculator to get a look at how much you can afford to pay in rent each month.

We’ve also got a look at how recommended salaries would play out in Columbus. Here’s a look at how much you should earn in Columbus based on average apartment prices.

• If you are renting an average priced one-bedroom apartment in Columbus, your annual salary should be around $41,800 or higher.
• If you are renting an average priced two-bedroom apartment in Columbus, your annual salary should be around $50,360 or higher.

Make Your Next Move: Start Apartment Hunting

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! Start your Columbus apartment search by taking our quiz to help you find the perfect neighborhood and apartment for your lifestyle and budget.

FAQ: Cost of Living in Columbus

How Expensive Is an Apartment in Columbus?

A one-bedroom apartment in Columbus costs $1,056. A two-bedroom apartment in Columbus costs $1,273.

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 $1,056. A two-bedroom apartment in Columbus is more expensive at $1,273.

How Expensive Is It to Live in Columbus?

Living in Columbus is relatively affordable. In Columbus, rent averages $1,056 for a one-bedroom apartment. Transportation costs in Columbus amount to $5,356 a year. Food costs $4,010 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 $1,056 and a two-bedroom sits at $1,273. Dayton rental prices start at $600 for a one-bedroom apartment.

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 906,528. It is the most populated city in the state of Ohio.