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

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

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property at 248 1/2 W 5th Ave

$895 - $1,075

Studio To 1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Jul 28

248 1/2 W 5th Ave

ColumbusOH43201
property at 246 W 5th Ave

$895 - $1,195

Studio To 1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Jul 28

246 W 5th Ave

ColumbusOH43201

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.

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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.

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property at 1020 Lusso Ave

$1,039 - $1,599

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1020 Lusso Ave

ColumbusOH43201

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.

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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.

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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 $450. 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$450
204 Souder Ave204G1BR,1BA$725
CharwaldeStudio1BR,1BA$775
620 E. Town Street Apartments1 BR - +$50 Water1BR,1BA$825
Broadway Apartments0 Beds, 1 BathsStudio,1BA$840
161 W Hubbard AveModel A1BR,1BA$845
Gordon HouseStudioStudio,1BA$850
Washington Place ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$866
Coves at Columbus on Eaton and Miner Avenueff1x11BR,1BA$875

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Columbus, OH

As of April 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Columbus area is the $1.25 price per square foot 202 / 302 / 402 / 502 Model at Fireproof in the in the Downtown Columbus neighborhood starting from $2,050. The second greatest value Downtown Columbus apartment is the 1145 Jaeger St Model at 1145 Jaeger St, Unit B starting at $1,975 with a $1.32 price per square foot in the South Columbus 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.
Fireproof202 / 302 / 402 / 5021BR,1.5BA$1.25
1145 Jaeger St, Unit B1145 Jaeger St2BR,2BA$1.32
New Yorker2BR/1.5BA2BR,1.5BA$1.08
726 N High St726 N High St1BR,1BA$1.10
41 S Grant AveDOUBLE2BR,1BA$1.33
Discovery Park Place1-Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.43
Juniper Crossing1 bdr1BR,1BA$1.31
CharwaldeStudioStudio ,1BA$1.29
Gordon HouseStudioStudio ,1BA$1.42
Nazareth Towers-62 & OlderStudioStudio ,1BA$0.67

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Best Local Schools in
Downtown Columbus, Columbus, OH

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 $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 $3,200.

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 116 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 $136 which is $3,064 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

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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.

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

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.

decorative image for Welcome to Columbus: An Insiders Guide to Ohios Best-Kept Secret article

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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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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.

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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.