Columbus is one of the Midwest's most compelling cities for renters. As Ohio's state capital and largest city, the metro offers an unparalleled combination of big-city energy and below-average costs. Whether you're drawn to the college-town buzz around Ohio State University, the galleries and restaurants of the Short North Arts District, or the historic brick streets of German Village, Columbus delivers neighborhoods with unmistakable character.
Columbus supports its residents’ daily routines as it’s a well-connected city built along the Scioto and Olentangy rivers. Interstate highways I-270, I-71, and I-70 make commuting manageable from nearly every corner of the city, and the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides bus service throughout the metro area. With a population of more than 900,000, the city has grown into an active metropolis while keeping expenses low.
The five most affordable neighborhoods in Columbus are:
Salem Village
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Columbus: $1,174/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Salem Village: $872/month
- Median home list price in Salem Village: $255,000
Salem Village, north of Downtown Columbus, is a quiet suburban neighborhood. While some tasks require a drive, the pros are that residents get calmer streets and a more connected feel.
Things to do in Salem Village
Salem Village is primarily residential, with a few local businesses offering a nice selection of services and dining choices. Residents typically head to nearby areas to find a larger range of options. Salem Village is close to Morse Road and Dublin Granville Road, more established retail corridors, where you'll find grocery stores, restaurants, and daily essentials.
There is limited green space in the neighborhood, aside from Chaseland Park, but there are much larger parks nearby. Antrim Park, a 120-acre green space along the Olentangy River that features fishing ponds, picnic areas, soccer fields, and a multi-use trail, is just a short trip away. Woodward Park and Nature Preserve is right over I-71, with a bridge making access easy.
Transportation in Salem Village
Travel from Salem Village is easy because of Cleveland Avenue, Morse Road, and Dublin Granville Road, three of Columbus's busiest corridors. I-71 runs right along the east border, connecting residents to Downtown Columbus in roughly 10 to 15 minutes. COTA bus service operates along Cleveland Avenue, giving residents a public transit option.
Forest Park East
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Columbus: $1,174/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Forest Park East: $872/month
- Median home list price in Forest Park East: $306,000
Forest Park East is positioned just east of Salem Village. It stands out for its unique design, where several roads lead into Tamarack Circle. This central design creates a strong sense of community where neighbors greet each other as they pass on the sidewalks.
Things to do in Forest Park East
Forest Park East is bordered by Dublin Granville Road and Morse Road, where most of the restaurants, retail, and grocery stores reside. Having options to both the north and south mean that a night out is only a couple minutes away. For even more options, residents can head down Morse Road to Easton Town Center, an open-air shopping and entertainment district with restaurants, a movie theater, and well-known stores. There are also numerous parks spread throughout the neighborhood, including Granville Park, Walden Park, and Forest Park.
Transportation in Forest Park East
Forest Park East is bordered by major roadways leading to highways and interstates, including Morse Road to the south and Cleveland Avenue to the west. Both of these roads see regular COTA bus service, but driving is often more convenient.
Eastland
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Columbus: $1,174/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Eastland: $887/month
- Median home list price in Eastland: $212,450
Eastland offers a suburban feel, where homes sit behind an active retail corridor along Hamilton Road. Trees break up the buildings, providing a private atmosphere for residents.
Things to do in Eastland
Residents in Eastland enjoy a combination of the retail along Hamilton Road and large green spaces to relax. Numerous chain restaurants, local eateries, and stores fill shopping centers. Forests cover swathes of land with parks springing up from the natural landscape. Noe Bixby Park has trails along Big Walnut Creek under a tree canopy. Hensel Park has many fields and open grassy spaces for all sorts of recreation and sports. Not far from Eastland are Blacklick Woods, Big Walnut Park, and Three Creeks Park, offering additional trails, bird-watching areas, and natural landscapes.
Transportation in Eastland
Hamilton connects Eastland to I-70, which leads downtown or west to I-270. COTA has some bus service along the East Broad Street corridor, though it is quite limited and most residents rely on vehicles.
Cherry Creek
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Columbus: $1,174/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cherry Creek: $893/month
- Median home list price in Cherry Creek: $239,950
Cherry Creek has that quintessential suburban feel as it is comprised of mostly homes and apartment communities. Scioto Big Run runs directly through the center of the neighborhood, adding a bit of greenery and nature.
Things to do in Cherry Creek
Only a few stores and restaurants sit in Cherry Creek, but there are plenty within a short drive. Most are clustered along West Broad Street, just a few minutes north. Big-box stores on Hilliard Rome Road provide anything else residents might need. Camp Chase Trail follows the rail tracks that run through the southeastern corner of the neighborhood. Big Run Park, just outside the neighborhood’s border, has paths through trees, picnic pavilions, a playground, and an athletic complex.
Transportation in Cherry Creek
Though Cherry Creek may be outside the I-270 belt, that doesn’t mean it’s not well-connected. I-270 is right along its eastern edge, and West Broad Street is just minutes away to the north. While buses do run along West Broad Street, a car remains more practical for most residents.
Valleyview
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Columbus: $1,174/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Valleyview: $787/month
- Median home list price in Valleyview: $230,000
Right above Cherry Creek sits Valleyview, which spans retail corridors, industrial areas, and cozy spots. The area is bordered by railroad tracks to the north and east, giving it a defined footprint.
Things to do in Valleyview
Multiple parks and paths in Vallyview provide all the basketball courts, playgrounds, covered picnic areas, and trails that residents could need, including Wilson Road Park and Camp Chase Trail. For dining, the neighborhood has casual options and smaller local spots close by. Valleyview also has access to the growing dining and shopping along West Broad Street, west of I-270.
Transportation in Valleyview
I-70 sits along the northern edge of Valleyview and serves as the primary highway for residents heading downtown or toward the western suburbs. West Broad Street is the main surface road through the area and provides bus service.
Make the Most of Your Move with Apartments.com
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Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s May 2026 report.
FAQs
What is the cheapest place to live in Columbus?
The cheapest place to live in Columbus is Salem Village. The average rent there is $872/month, much lower than Columbus’ average rent of $1,174/month.
What salary is needed to live comfortably in Columbus?
According to our cost of living data, a yearly salary of about $70,000 is recommended to live comfortably as a single adult with no dependents. Of course, the actual costs will change depending on location, lifestyle, and other factors.
Where is the least expensive place to live in Ohio?
The least expensive place to live in Ohio is Toledo. The average rent in the city is $829/month, which is 50 percent lower than the national average rent of $1,644/month.
