Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbus, OH from $300 (1,360 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Columbus.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

Welcome to Columbus: An Insider's Guide to Ohio's Best-Kept Secret

Discover Columbus, OH, a city of attractive urban vitality and affordable living. Get the insider scoop on nightlife, arts, parks, and low rental prices from a local expert.

Columbus, OH Local Guide

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Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Columbus, OH

Pricing Updated: 05/13/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Columbus, OH area range in price from $600 to $9,000 with an overall median price of $3,209. The three Columbus neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Lincoln Village at $900, Lincoln Village at $900, and Holly Hill at $755. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Columbus Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Lincoln Village$1,025$9004
Lincoln Village$1,025$9004
Holly Hill$1,150$7554
South Hilltop$1,325$8503
East Columbus$1,350$1,0003
Maize Morse$1,450$7778
West Olentangy$1,499$1,4991
North Hilltop$1,525$1,09510
Scioto Woods$1,562$90013
Whitehall$1,595$85011

Cheapest Available Columbus Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbus, OH is a 2 Beds unit found at Nazareth Towers-62 & Older in the Discovery District neighborhood priced from $300. Belmont Apartments in the Discovery District neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $450. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbus apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Nazareth Towers-62 & OlderStudio2BR,1BA$300
Belmont ApartmentsStudent RoomStudio,1BA$450
Starling Yard3 bdr3BR,2BA$530
Hometeam PropertiesStudio - Multiple AvailableStudio,1BA$666
Alpine Village1 X 21BR,1BA$675
Abbey Lane1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$715
Star King ApartmentsStudio A (Mid)Studio,1BA$715
204 Souder Ave204G1BR,1BA$725
Essington VillageStudioStudio,1BA$729
Columbus Park ApartmentsThe AlumStudio,1BA$739

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbus, OH

As of May 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the Columbus area is the $0.83 price per square foot 5 Bed 2 Baths w Garage Model at 2136-2138 Summit St in the in the North East Columbus neighborhood starting from $2,500. The second greatest value Columbus apartment is the Ren 2 BR Townhome w/ Garage & UF Basement Model at Oak Bend Commons starting at $1,600 with a $0.91 price per square foot in the Preston Trails neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Columbus apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
2136-2138 Summit St5 Bed 2 Baths w Garage1BR,1BA$0.83
Oak Bend CommonsRen 2 BR Townhome w/ Garage & UF Basement2BR,2.5BA$0.91
Crosscreek Apartments and Townhomes2 bed2BR,1.5BA$0.59
Townhomes at WestonMajestic*3BR,1.5BA$0.93
Maple Valley ApartmentsWater/Sewer/Trash Included2BR,1BA$0.84
Chittenden Ave 34 UL2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$0.83
2765 Cleveland Ave, Unit Unit D2765 Cleveland Ave2BR,1BA$0.90
Summerwynd ApartmentsUpstairs unit w/ balcony)2BR,1BA$0.93
George's Creek Apartments2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$0.86
Nazareth Towers-62 & OlderStudioStudio ,1BA$0.67

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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Columbus Overview

Columbus, the Ohio state capital, falls within the top 20 largest cities in the entire United States in terms of population. This dynamic town is full of Midwestern down-to-earth, friendly people, who often make locals feel welcomed and treated like family. Life in Columbus apartments also offer residents an engaged community full of fun alongside interesting places to eat, shop, and to enjoy the arts or a night on the town. In addition, Columbus is home to THE Ohio State University, which draws students from all over the country to this Midwest hub of energy.

Why live in Columbus, OH?

There's a lot to love about Columbus. It's got a thriving economy and great neighborhoods like the German Village, Merion Village, and the Arena District. From the artsy, hip culture of the Short North district, to the sports and entertainment vibe in the Arena District, there is a little something for everyone here. For college sports fans, Ohio State University serves up great football and basketball. Add in a low cost of living, and those looking for apartments in Columbus have found a true gem of a city.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Columbus, OH Area Reviews

  • Parks
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Kim

March 15, 2026

Great place to attend college and find a job afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Columbus Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Columbus?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Columbus is at Nazareth Towers-62 & Older listed at $300.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbus Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbus Apartment is $300 at Nazareth Towers-62 & Older.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Columbus Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Columbus is starting from $300 at Nazareth Towers-62 & Older.

What is the most affordable Columbus Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Columbus Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Starling Yard and starts from $530.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Helpful Local Expert Guides

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The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbus, OH

Written by: Kim Mooneyham

Although Columbus, Ohio, has a reputation for being a rowdy college town, it's large enough to offer numerous neighborhoods far away from frat houses and street parties after football games.

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The Ultimate Local Expert's Guide To Top Columbus, OH Neighborhoods for College and University Student Renters

Written by: Kim Mooneyham

Columbus, OH, artfully blends a laid-back Midwest personality with the excitement of urban living and the spirited atmosphere of student life.

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Welcome to Columbus: An Insiders Guide to Ohios Best-Kept Secret

Written by: Kim Mooneyham

Visitors to Columbus, OH, won't admit it at first, but they secretly expect this Midwestern capital to resemble a sprawling version of Mayberry from the old Andy Griffith show. I'm serious.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.