Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Columbus Neighborhood of Columbus, OH from $300 (165 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
property at 248 1/2 W 5th Ave

$950 - $1,145

Studio To 1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Jul 28

248 1/2 W 5th Ave

ColumbusOH43201

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Read Article

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

Read Article

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 4

Downtown Columbus, Columbus, OH Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Columbus Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Columbus area of Columbus, OH is a 2 Beds unit found at Nazareth Towers-62 & Older priced from $300. Belmont Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $425. Here are the most affordable Downtown Columbus apartments for rent in Columbus, OH:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Nazareth Towers-62 & OlderStudio2BR,1BA$300
Belmont ApartmentsStudent RoomStudio,1BA$425
204 Souder Ave204F1BR,1BA$675
CharwaldeStudio1BR,1BA$775
74 E Engler St3CStudio,1BA$785
1114 N High StJr 1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$825
620 E. Town Street Apartments1 BR - +$50 Water1BR,1BA$825
Broadway Apartments0 Beds, 1 BathsStudio,1BA$840
Gordon HouseStudioStudio,1BA$850
Coves at Columbus on Eaton and Miner Avenueff1x11BR,1BA$875

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Columbus, OH

As of January 23, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Columbus area is the $0.85 price per square foot 4BR/2.0BA Model at 414-416 E. Whittier St in the in the Downtown Columbus neighborhood starting from $2,800. The second greatest value Downtown Columbus apartment is the 294 E Long 3rd floor Model at Lear Block starting at $1,900 with a $0.70 price per square foot in the Discovery District neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Columbus apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
414-416 E. Whittier St4BR/2.0BA4BR,2BA$0.85
Lear Block294 E Long 3rd floor2BR,2BA$0.70
619 Oak St, Unit 619 A Oak Street619 Oak St2BR,1BA$0.89
65 S 5th St, Unit 65 S 5th Columbus Oh 2B65 S 5th St2BR,2BA$1.09
New Yorker2BR/1.5BA2BR,1.5BA$1.04
1210 Dennison Ave, Unit 12101210 Dennison Ave2BR,1BA$1.19
552 Bradley St, Unit duplex552 Bradley St2BR,1BA$1.04
726 N High St, Unit 726.5Unit2B726 N High St1BR,1BA$1.10
The Abigail2B1B - Custom Lx22BR,1BA$1.08
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.

Read Article
Decorative image

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving.com is happy to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of rentals in metropolitan areas across the United States including Downtown Columbus, Columbus, and the greater Columbus area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for proximity to parks, luxury amenities, features that make it easier to raise kids, raising pets, transit options, and much more. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Columbus Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Columbus?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Columbus is under $875.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Columbus?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Columbus is Nazareth Towers-62 & Older which is listed at $300, while the average apartment in Downtown Columbus costs $2,864.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown Columbus?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 126 regular apartments in Downtown Columbus that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Downtown Columbus?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Columbus have an average cost of $279 which is $2,585 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Columbus.

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbus, OH article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

decorative image for A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

decorative image for Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease article

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.