Average Rent in Columbus 2026
The average rent in Columbus, OH is $1,200 for a 1-bedroom, $1,500 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,900 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Columbus is 5% below the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $48,000.
Columbus Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,200
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,500
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,900
per month
Cost of Living in Columbus
95
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Columbus's cost of living index is 95, which is 5% below the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Columbus at a Glance
Population
906K
Median Income
$58,375
COL Index
95
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Columbus?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Columbus by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,200/mo rent
$48,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,500/mo rent
$60,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$1,900/mo rent
$76,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Columbus
Save $450/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,200
per month
Split 2BR
$750
per person/month
Annual Savings
$5,400
per year
Instead of paying $1,200 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,500) with one roommate brings your share to $750. That is $5,400 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Columbus
Columbus, OH does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Columbus Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Columbus rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Columbus
Is Columbus expensive to rent in?
Columbus is one of the more affordable large cities for renters. A 1-bedroom averages $1,200 per month in 2026, about 5% below the national average. The Short North and German Village command higher rents, while neighborhoods like Franklinton and Hilltop are more budget-friendly.
How much income do you need to rent in Columbus?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $4,000 per month ($48,000 annually) to afford an average $1,200/month 1-bedroom apartment in Columbus.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Columbus?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,500/month) with one roommate brings your share to $750, saving $450 per month or $5,400 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Columbus?