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Apartments for Rent in Columbus, OH

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Renter’s City Guide to Columbus, OH
Introducing Columbus Expenses & Housing Stats Jobs & Education Lifestyle & Renting Tips

The capital city of the state of Ohio was ranked among the best 50 cities in the U.S. by Business Week, and was recognized as being one of the top cities for businesses in the nation in 2013 by Forbes, receiving an A rating. 

How big is Columbus? 

The city is the 15th-largest in the U.S. and boasts a population of around 805,100 people. Columbus is the largest city in Ohio. 

Where is Columbus located?  

Columbus lies 143 miles from the state’s second-largest city, Cleveland, and 106 miles from the third-largest city in the state of Ohio, Cincinnati. The city is situated 350 miles from Chicago; 146 miles from Toledo, Ohio; and 183 miles from Pittsburgh. 

What is the weather like in Columbus? 

Columbus is known for having humid summers and warm winters. However, because the city is too far from Lake Erie to experience the lake effect, winters do not experience heavy snowfall. Similarly, Columbus is out of the path of nor’easters, which further spares it from heavy winter snowstorms.

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What are the pros of living in Columbus? 

Columbus is home to The Ohio State University, which has a top-ranked football team that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the city. It’s also famous for its top tier Zoo, Aquarium and lively art scene. 

What are the cons of living in Columbus? 

The city’s lack of public transit options is one of its major drawbacks.

Columbus Demographic Highlights
Total Population 898,143
Female
Male
458,040
440,103
Median Age 32.5
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Is it expensive to live in Columbus? 

The cost of living in Columbus is relatively low when compared to similar cities across the nation. 

How to get around Columbus? 

The Central Ohio Transit Authority, known as COTA, ensures limited public transportation options in the form of buses. The CBUS is a free downtown shuttle bus, which connects the Short North Arts District to the Brewery District and runs every 10 to 15 minutes. Columbus also features a bike-sharing system called CoGo. 

How much does public transportation cost in Columbus? 

Regular single fares cost $2 with COTA, while rush-hour fares are priced at $2.75. 

How much does a meal cost in Columbus?

A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs $60, on average, while a single meal at an inexpensive restaurant is priced at $14. A regular cappuccino is priced at $4.15. 

How much do utilities cost in Columbus? 

Basic utilities — including heating, cooling, garbage, water and electricity — cost $171.71, on average, for a 915-square-foot apartment. This is slightly higher than the national average of $160.22.

Columbus Rent Statistics
Apartment Rent Ranges
$501 - $7004.37%
$701 - $1,00030.54%
$1,001 - $1,50045.21%
$1,501 - $2,00014.63%
> $20005.08%
Average Rent Trends
What is the average rent in Columbus?

The average rent for an apartment in Columbus is $1,225 per month.

What is the average apartment size in Columbus?

The average apartment size in Columbus is 882 sq. ft.

What is the rent for a studio apartment in Columbus?

Rent for a studio apartment in Columbus ranges between $80 and $2,450 per month.

What is the rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Columbus?

Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Columbus ranges between $381 and $3,800 per month.

What is the rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Columbus?

Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Columbus ranges between $453 and $5,995 per month.

What is the rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in Columbus?

Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in Columbus ranges between $350 and $5,000 per month.

Columbus Housing Statistics
Occupied Housing Units 377,648
Owner occupied 44.75%
Renter occupied 55.25%
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Who are the largest employers in Columbus? 

The largest employer in the city is The Ohio State University with more than 29,000 employees, followed closely by the State of Ohio with around 22,000 people. JP Morgan Chase has a total of 12,000 employees, while Nationwide Financial employs 11,000. Columbus is considered to be a “college town,” but the finance sector is another major industry in the city.

Columbus Employment Statistics
White Collar 386,711
Blue Collar 91,419
White Collar 80.88%
Blue Collar 19.12%
Self Employment 30,652
Private Companies 335,199
Governmental Workers 66,007
Not for Profit Companies 46,272
Self Employment 6.41%
Private Companies 70.11%
Governmental Workers 13.81%
Not for Profit Companies 9.68%
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What is the school system like in Columbus? 

The Columbus public school district features around 110 schools for younger students, offering top-notch education for all levels from kindergarten through high school. The Columbus public school district aims to provide “a world-class model of public education” to encourage and prepare its students to meet their full potential. 

What are the top colleges in Columbus? 

The Ohio State University is one of the largest universities in the nation with an enrollment of around 65,000 students and a size of 1,764 acres. Columbus State University is another prominent educational facility in downtown Columbus, boasting 132 acres and an enrollment of around 8,300 undergraduate and graduate students.

Columbus Education Statistics
No High School3.2%
Some High School31.62%
Some College23.51%
Associate Degree6.77%
Bachelor Degree23.14%
Graduate Degree11.76%
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What is the Columbus dining scene like? 

The Columbus dining scene is exquisite, boasting a wide range of eateries that serve different types of food from all over the world. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus is known for its excellent German Dishes; Skillet’s rustic, urban food is a favorite among those who love the New American fare; and Brassica was named the city’s best restaurant in 2015 by Alive.com. 

What cultural attractions are there in Columbus?

The local Zoo and Aquarium are fantastic places to see animals — like the new polar bear named Nora — and even to touch marine animals like starfish. The new Heart of Africa exhibit spans 43 acres and features giraffes as one of its main attractions. The Columbus Museum of Art (COMA) stands out in the local art community with its impressive art collection and its rotating exhibits, notably featuring a Picasso exhibit. This is a fantastic place to experience art in Columbus. 

What events are held in Columbus? 

The Ohio State Fair is held in Columbus every year from late June until early August and has been named “one of the country’s best state fairs” by the Travel Channel. 

What parks are there in Columbus? 

The city features a wide range of parks for residents to enjoy, including Schiller Park with an abundance of green space, a playground, tennis courts, a fishing pond and an open-air stage for outdoor entertainment. The 146-acre Whetstone Park is another top destination in the city, boasting a rose garden, a community center and athletic fields. Both of them are free to the public. 

Where to shop in Columbus? 

Easton Town Center is a top-tier shopping destination, featuring shops such as Nordstrom’s, Coach, and Apple, and welcoming more than 21 million shoppers yearly. The Short North district is famous for its funky, unique boutique stores. 

What sporting events are held in Columbus? 

There are plenty of exciting sports teams playing in Columbus besides The Ohio State University’s teams. The Blue Jackets professional hockey team’s games are ideal for a family outing or a date night. The Columbus Clippers are also in town. They’re a minor league baseball team area Triple A affiliate of the nearby Cleveland Indians. The city is also a haven for hockey, football and baseball fans.

Columbus Household Statistics
Total Number of Households 377,648
Average People Per Household 2
Median Household Income$58,575
Average Household Income$75,482
Family
Non-family
198,562
179,086
Children
No Children
105,324
272,324

What to know about renting in Columbus?

Local renters’ rights are governed by the Ohio Landlord Law. Before renting a place, it’s advisable to check the entire apartment and establish whether any repairs need to be made. If there are any, then delay moving in until the repairs are fully made. Repair work needs to be put in writing and renters should keep detailed records and request that any promises from the landlord are put in writing.