Cost of Living in Columbus, OH [2025]

Columbus continues to draw new residents in 2025 with its balanced cost of living, vibrant neighborhoods, and growing tech and healthcare sectors. Known for its mix of historic districts and modern amenities, the city offers convenient access to major employers, picturesque trails, art scenes, and many new restaurants and breweries.

Unlike other metros with higher rents and traffic, Columbus offers space to grow without compromising on culture or opportunity.

Compared to more expensive cities like Austin or Chicago, Columbus delivers significant noticeable savings in housing, transportation, and daily costs. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Columbus is $1,694, while similar housing in Chicago averages $2,870.

In the sections below, we'll explore the real cost of living in Columbus, from housing and food to healthcare and transportation, so you can determine if the city aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals in 2025.

Note: We used internal data and cross-referenced with data from Rent.com, Apartments.com, and Realtor.com to give you the most accurate snapshot of rents as of August 2025. Other sources include Sperling’s BestPlaces, Numbeo, and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.

Cost of Living in Columbus, OH

What Is the Cost of Living in Columbus, OH?

Columbus is a key hub in Ohio and offers a more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to many other similar U.S. cities. On average, it’s about 8.6% cheaper than the national average. Housing costs run around 29% below national norms, and transportation costs are nearly 10% lower, making living here a more manageable option, even if you're working with a smaller budget.

Within Columbus, costs vary by neighborhood. According to our latest data, areas like Downtown charge higher rents, often $2,800 or more for a two-bedroom apartment, but residents get more benefits like public transit access and walkability.

On the other hand, neighborhoods like Pine Hills and Franklin Park offer rents, averaging $1,047 and $1,300, respectively, for similar floor plans.

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

Downtown Columbus has the highest cost of living in Columbus, OH, with one-bedrooms averaging $1,926 and two-bedroom rents averaging $2,861 per month, significantly higher than the Ohio average and the national averages of $1,757 (one-bed) and $2,194 (two-bed).

Where Is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in Columbus, OH?

Franklin Park is one of the most affordable places to live in Columbus, with one-bedroom rents averaging just $859 per month and two-bedrooms at $1,300. This puts one-bedroom apartments at roughly 51.1% and two-bedroom apartments at 40.1% below the national average.

What Is the Average Rent in Columbus, OH?

As of August 2025, the overall median rent in Columbus is $1,316, based on Apartment List data. The one-bedroom median rent is $1,136, while two-bedroom apartments are $1,360.

Median rents increased by 0.1% over the past month and are 0.7% higher than this time last year, surpassing the national median, which decreased by 0.8% year over year.

Rent growth in 2025 has also outpaced national trends. Over the past year, average rents in Columbus have decreased by 0.3%, while average national rents have dropped about 0.7% year over year.

Overall, Columbus rent prices are approximately 23.5% below the national average, making the city notably affordable compared to many larger metros. That ranks Columbus as more affordable than other Midwest markets like Cleveland and Cincinnati.

For city only:

For states only:

How Much Is a One-Bedroom Apartment in Columbus, OH?

As of mid-2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Columbus is $1,445. Prices differ by neighborhood.

Downtown apartments average around $1,900, while more affordable areas like Franklin Park or Pine Hills hover around $900. Rent can fluctuate depending on area, amenities, and the age of the building.

How Much Is a Two-Bedroom Apartment in Columbus, OH?

The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Columbus is $1,694 as of August 2025.

Higher-demand areas like Downtown often start above $2,500, while more budget-friendly neighborhoods such as Franklin Park and Pine Hills offer two-bedrooms closer to $1,150. The final cost depends on factors like location, unit size, and amenities.

How Much Is Housing in Columbus?

Columbus housing is generally affordable compared to other major metros. While luxury properties exist, the median home sale price in Columbus is around $307,000 as of July 2025. That’s well below the national median of $436,000, making it a more suitable option for renters who are aiming to pursue homeownership eventually.

With many new builds in outer neighborhoods and moderate price growth year over year, Columbus continues to offer options for buyers who might be priced out in places like Austin and Chicago.

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

A common rule of thumb for housing affordability is the 30% rule, meaning you should spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Based on an average one-bedroom rent of $1,445, you’d need to earn at least $57,804 per year, or $4,817 per month, to stay within the 30% income rule. That breaks down to about $27.79 per hour for a full-time worker. If you’re targeting a two-bedroom at the average $1,694, the required income jumps to $67,760 per year.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Columbus' median household income is $62,350, below the national median of $77,719. This puts the average Columbus renter just under the 30% rule for a two-bedroom and well within range for a one-bedroom.

However, expenses beyond rent, like utilities, groceries, and transit, can add up. To determine what fits your budget, try the Apartment List Rent Calculator to find options based on your income.

For more detailed data, the MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that a single adult without children in Columbus needs to earn $22.42 per hour just to cover basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare and remain above the poverty threshold. However, that number does not* *include savings contributions, travel costs, or debt repayments.

How Much Is Transportation in Columbus, OH?

MIT’s Living Wage Calculator data breaks down typical car-based transportation expenses for different household types in the Columbus region.

Columbus is still largely reliant on cars for daily transportation. Nearly 83% of residents drive their own car alone to work. Traffic often builds on Interstate 70, Interstate 71, and the 270 beltway during peak hours. Public transit is limited, but the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) operates several bus lines across the city. Service has improved in recent years, but coverage and frequency still fall short of major metro systems.

In terms of walkability, Walk Score data highlights Columbus neighborhoods where being car-free is doable:

• Short North (walk score 95): Highly walkable with frequent COTA buses, bike lanes, and scooters for easy access to Downtown.
• Italian Village (walk score 90): Served by COTA routes and bike-share options; walkable streets make short trips simple.

If you rely on public transit or prefer not to own a car, these neighborhoods offer the most convenient options for getting around the city.

How Much Are Groceries in Columbus?

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult without children in the Columbus area typically spends $4,221 per year on food, while a two-adult household with two children averages $12,374 annually. That breaks down to about $352 per month for a solo renter and $1,031 monthly for a four-person family, covering groceries and basic meals at home.

Dining out in Columbus is relatively affordable. According to Numbeo, an average meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $20, while a three-course dinner for two at a midrange spot averages around $77.50. You can grab a slice of pizza or a quick bite at a casual café for under $10, helping keep meal expenses manageable.

If you frequently eat out or order delivery, your monthly food costs will go up. Neighborhoods like Short North, Italian Village, and Downtown offer a wide variety of dining options, but relying heavily on takeout can push your food budget above typical averages.

How Much Is Child Care in Columbus, OH?

Families face notable child care expenses in the Columbus area. According to MIT Living Wage data for Columbus, child care costs for one child average $14,420 per year. For two children, annual child care costs rise to around $27,048.

That means child care alone can exceed $1,200 monthly for one child, and over $2,250 per month for two. These figures form a significant part of the living wage calculation for local parents and should factor into budgeting decisions.

To help manage these costs, parents can adjust remote work schedules, explore child care options in neighborhoods with lower costs of living or shorter waitlists, and share care responsibilities within their networks. These strategies can make child care more affordable and flexible for families.

How Much Is Healthcare in Columbus, OH?

Using data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult without children typically spends around $3,541 per year on healthcare, including insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. For a family of two working adults and two children, healthcare expenses rise to approximately $9,621 annually.

Healthcare expenses take up a significant portion of family budgets, making routine medical care one of the biggest ongoing costs.

How Much Are Utilities in Columbus, OH?

A 915-square-foot Columbus apartment has average monthly utility costs (electricity, heating and cooling, water, garbage) of $271.24, which is 29.2% higher than the national average of $209.93.

On top of that, a mobile phone plan (10 GB plus voice) averages $76.50 per month, while high-speed internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) runs about $67.92 per month.

Columbus has hot, humid summers and cold winters, leading to higher electricity use during the warmest and coolest months of the year. Budgeting for these seasonal spikes is important. Neighborhoods like Short North and Victorian Village often feature newer or renovated homes with energy-efficient upgrades, keeping utility bills more manageable.

Columbus, OH, Fitness and Entertainment

Columbus offers a range of budget-friendly ways to stay active and entertained, with many green spaces, walkable neighborhoods, and low-cost cultural attractions.

Outdoor Activities and Local Favorites

Columbus includes over 400 parks, with standout destinations like Scioto Mile, a downtown riverfront park with fountains, trails, and skyline views. The Olentangy Trail is another attraction, which stretches 14 miles through the northern side of the city.

For nature lovers, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers indoor and outdoor gardens with free admission days for Franklin County residents. Additionally, residents of Short North, German Village, and Victorian Village can conveniently walk to green spaces and trails without needing a car.

Gym Memberships and Alternatives

According to Numbeo, the average monthly fitness club fee in Columbus is about $46.25 per person. This is close to the national average but lower than nearby cities like Chicago.

Columbus residents often rely on community recreation centers, like those run by Columbus Recreation and Parks, which offer gym access, classes, and pools, sometimes for free or as low as $10 per month. Many apartment buildings in Downtown, Arena District, and Clintonville include on-site fitness centers as well.

Entertainment Costs and Budget Options

Entertainment in Columbus is budget-friendly. Two movie tickets cost about $24, and discounted Tuesdays at certain chains bring that down even more.

Locals enjoy free or low-cost events like summer concerts at Columbus Commons, community nights at the Columbus Museum of Art, and performances at Shadowbox Live with regular discount shows.

Neighborhoods like the Short North and Olde Towne East offer local nightlife and entertainment without the high costs of larger metro areas.

How Much Are Taxes in Columbus, OH?

Columbus sales tax is capped at 7.50%, which includes 5.75% for the state, 1.25% for the county, and 0.50% for special tax, the latter of which applies to specific locations. There’s no city sales tax, keeping the Columbus rate at the statewide maximum of 7.50%. Ohio also has a state income tax, with rates ranging from 0% to 3.5%, based on income levels. Federal income tax brackets still apply.

In Columbus, local taxes include moderate sales taxes and property taxes, which contribute to overall expenses. While property taxes can impact homeowners, renters may feel the effects indirectly through higher rents. Compared to states with higher income tax rates, Ohio’s tax structure offers a balanced mix, but residents should consider all tax types when planning their budgets.

Columbus Job Market

Columbus sits at the center of a growing central Ohio economy, with steady job growth and competitive wages across key industries.

In June 2025, Columbus' unemployment rate was 4.7%, slightly below the Ohio rate (4.9%) and above the national rate (4.2%). The area’s average hourly wage was $31.39, outperforming the state average ($28.79) but slightly below the national average ($36.44).

Growth has been especially strong in construction and professional and business services, with moderate gains in healthcare and education. Columbus is also becoming an important hub for technology and data infrastructure. Projects like the $500 billion Stargate Project are driving demand for housing and urban development across the area.

Find Your Next Apartment in Columbus, OH

Columbus’ moderate cost of living, expanding job market, and mix of walkable, transit-accessible neighborhoods make it a smart choice for students, families, and professionals. Whether you’re after affordable rent, urban convenience, or a little extra space, Columbus has housing options to match a wide range of needs.

Ready to relocate? Kick off your search with the personalized Apartment List quiz. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs: What to Know About the Cost of Living in Columbus 2025

How expensive is an apartment in Columbus?

As of August 2025, the average rent for all apartment sizes in Columbus is $1,607 per month, with one-bedroom units averaging $1,445 and two-bedroom units averaging $1,694.

What is the cheapest rent in Columbus?

One-bedroom apartments in neighborhoods like Franklin Park can be priced as low as $859 per month, which is roughly 51.1% below the national average of $1,757.

How expensive is it to live in Columbus?

Using the most affordable rent example of $859 per month and adding estimated annual costs for food ($4,221), transportation ($10,149), utilities ($4,988), and healthcare ($3,541) for a single adult without children, total annual essential living expenses fall around $33,207. This does not account for savings, debt repayment, or discretionary spending.

What is the population of Columbus?

As of the latest census, Columbus has a population of approximately 905,748 people, making it Ohio’s largest city and the 15th-largest in the U.S. Ohio as a whole has nearly 12 million residents and remains the seventh-most populous state.

What is a good salary in Columbus?

Based on the 30% rent rule, a one-bedroom at average rent ($1,445 per month) requires a gross annual income of around $57,800, or about $27.79 per hour for full-time work.

The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates a living wage as a single adult without children at $22.42 per hour to remain above the poverty threshold. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Columbus’ 2023 median household income at $62,350.