
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Columbus Neighborhood of Columbus, OH from $300 (154 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Columbus area of Columbus.


Belmont Apartments

Townley Court Apartments

Charwalde

The Americana Apartments

620 E. Town Street Apartments

Gordon House

Gravity

Coves at Columbus on Eaton and Miner Avenue

340 St Clair Ave
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.

Microliving @ 260 S 4th Street

248 1/2 W 5th Ave

The Gaetz

41 S Grant Ave

Park Royal Apartments

Total Monthly Price
836 Harrison Ave, Unit 4

Total Monthly Price
Washington Place Apartments

150 N. Third Street Apartments

Harlow on Main

The Day Companies Downtown
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.

Liberty Place Apartments

303 Front St

The Luminary

Xander on State

Topiary Park Crossing

Normandy Columbus

Westrich

High and Cherry

985 High

4th & 5th
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.

Smith and High

Yardley Apartments

1257 Dennison Ave

346 E Mithoff St

Juniper Crossing

Jaeger Square

The Patent at Jeffrey Park

Horizon West

Green House Columbus

The Atlas
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.

161 W Hubbard Ave

Lusso

Station 324

One at the Peninsula

The Arbor

Greystone Court

Continental Tower

1219 Highland St, Unit C

The Beeker

Total Monthly Price
Tivoli Apartments
Where to Rent in Columbus: Mapping Major Employers to Affordable Neighborhoods
Find your next budget-friendly apartment in Columbus, OH. Discover neighborhoods like Clintonville and Near East Side, offering short commutes and a great renter lifestyle near major job centers.
Downtown Columbus, Columbus, OH Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Columbus?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Columbus Studio Apartments | $1,270 | $300 | $3,662 |
| Downtown Columbus 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,719 | $300 | $5,208 |
| Downtown Columbus 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,416 | $300 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Columbus 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,747 | $1,230 | $8,936 |
| Downtown Columbus 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,924 | $2,225 | $6,581 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 154 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Columbus Neighborhood of Columbus, OH.
See all Apartments in ColumbusExplore Columbus
Downtown Columbus, Columbus, OH Local Guide
- Nearby Columbus neighborhoods
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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 $450. Here are the most affordable Downtown Columbus apartments for rent in Columbus, OH:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nazareth Towers-62 & Older | Studio | 2BR,1BA | $300 |
| Belmont Apartments | Student Room | Studio,1BA | $450 |
| Charwalde | Studio | Studio,1BA | $775 |
| Broadway Apartments | 0 Beds, 1 Baths | Studio,1BA | $800 |
| 620 E. Town Street Apartments | 1 BR - +$50 Water | 1BR,1BA | $825 |
| The Gaetz | Micro | Studio,1BA | $899 |
| 41 S Grant Ave | SINGLE | 1BR,1BA | $925 |
| Park Royal Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $925 |
| Washington Place Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $944 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Columbus, OH
As of June 08, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Columbus area is the $1.26 price per square foot The Morning Model at Sonnenblick in the in the Downtown Columbus neighborhood starting from $1,440. The second greatest value Downtown Columbus apartment is the Smith and High Lofts + Den Model at Smith and High starting at $1,495 with a $1.48 price per square foot in the Downtown Columbus neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Columbus apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonnenblick | The Morning | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.26 |
| Smith and High | Smith and High Lofts + Den | 1BR,1BA | $1.48 |
| New Yorker | 2BR/1.5BA | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.35 |
| 1157 Michigan Ave, Unit 1157 MIchigan | 1157 Michigan Ave | 1BR,1BA | $1.20 |
| 41 S Grant Ave | DOUBLE | 2BR,1BA | $1.33 |
| 786-792 Thomas Ave | 2 Beds, 1.5 Baths | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.48 |
| 836 Harrison Ave, Unit 4 | 836 Harrison Ave | 1BR,1BA | $1.16 |
| Coves at Columbus on Eaton and Miner Avenue | ff2x1b | 2BR,1BA | $1.30 |
| Charwalde | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $1.29 |
| Nazareth Towers-62 & Older | Studio | Studio ,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 ArticleReal 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.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
Best Local Schools in Downtown Columbus, Columbus, OH
Arts Impact Middle School (Aims)
School data provided by Great Schools
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 $944.
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 $3,241.
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 68 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 $149 which is $3,092 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.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

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.

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.

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.

Where to Rent in Columbus: Mapping Major Employers to Affordable Neighborhoods
Written by: Kim Mooneyham
Ask Columbus workers where they live, and you’ll hear the same neighborhood names: University District, Clintonville, Near East Side, North Columbus, and West Columbus.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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.