Homes for Rent in Columbus, OH (1,099 Rentals)

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property at 1098 E 22nd Ave

1098 E 22nd Ave

ColumbusOH43211
property at 796 Ebner St

796 Ebner St

ColumbusOH43206

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.

property at 793 N 6th St

793 N 6th St

ColumbusOH43215

Columbus's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Columbus and the best places to live with original content written by our Columbus, OH Local Expert Kim Mooneyham

property at 1288 Oakwood Ave

1288 Oakwood Ave

ColumbusOH43206
property at 2368 Velma Ave

2368 Velma Ave

ColumbusOH43211
property at 2385 Joyce Ave

2385 Joyce Ave

ColumbusOH43211

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.

property at 192 Schultz Ave

192 Schultz Ave

ColumbusOH43222
property at 4851 Moreland Dr W

4851 Moreland Dr W

ColumbusOH43220
property at 2706 Osceola Ave

2706 Osceola Ave

ColumbusOH43211

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.

property at 191 N Harris Ave

191 N Harris Ave

ColumbusOH43204
property at 185 N Harris Ave

185 N Harris Ave

ColumbusOH43204
property at 63 W Blake Ave

63 W Blake Ave

ColumbusOH43202
property at 65 W Blake Ave

65 W Blake Ave

ColumbusOH43202
property at 1322 E 16th Ave

1322 E 16th Ave

ColumbusOH43211

How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Learn How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit from the Renter University at AparmentHomeLiving.com.

property at 1427 Grogan Ave

1427 Grogan Ave

ColumbusOH43211

Columbus, OH Local Guide

Photo of Brandie Parton - Local Expert
Written By:
Brandie Parton
Local Expert

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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Columbus Overview

As the most populous city in the entire state of Ohio, Columbus is also the state’s capital. It is conveniently located less than a day’s drive away from major cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City. Consequently, it is considered centrally located for many people. In fact, 48% of all Americans reside within 600 miles of this immensely popular city. For this reason, when you are looking for rentals or rental homes in Columbus, you know you are choosing a great location with lots of potential for entertainment as well as career and academic advancement. Read on to learn more about Columbus, OH, and what makes it a great city:

What is the history of Columbus?

The city of Columbus, OH, was officially incorporated in 1816, though it was laid out before that in 1812 by surveyors. Columbus was originally named to honor Benjamin Franklin and was called Franklinton but was changed to Columbus by a 19 to 22 vote from the Ohio Legislature. Later, in the 20th century, Columbus earned its first nicknames when it was called “Arch City” due to the dozens of wooden arches that spanned High Street to illuminate the thoroughfare. The arches were replaced with cluster electric lights in 1914. More modern times brought along thriving economics, a bustling art scene, culture, outdoor activities, and more, making it a fast-growing Midwest area.

How is the weather in Columbus?

Looking into Columbus homes for rent will also usually involve learning more about the local weather patterns and what you can expect throughout the year. Be advised that Ohio’s weather overall, and Columbus’ as well, can be unpredictable. Summer highs can reach the nineties and include humidity that makes being outdoors uncomfortable. Winter is icy and cold and temperatures often dip into the low teens. If you don’t like harsh weather at all, this is something to keep in mind as the wild swing in both temperature and other weather factors is notorious in this area of the country.

How do I get around town?

When it comes to living right in the main downtown area, you can walk or bike to many areas. However, if you live outside this area, you will likely need a vehicle to get around well in and around Columbus unless you want to take advantage of the transit bus system. The city of Columbus does have a public transit service called Central Ohio Transit Authority or COTA. You can bike and bus with COTA, as all buses are equipped with bike racks, allowing you to cycle part of your route and ride the rest. COTA boasts 29 local service lines and nine crosstown lines, so many Columbus residents get around just fine without a vehicle by utilizing these services.

Why live in Columbus, OH?

When choosing rental homes in Columbus, it’s always good to look at what the city has to offer and compare it with other areas throughout the nation. Thankfully, when comparing the cost of living to most other major cities in America, Columbus boasts a cheaper cost of living overall. In addition to their low tax rate, there are also many attractions like parks and museums that are either free or inexpensive. This makes it a great location to live.

What Columbus landmarks should I see?

There are several landmarks located throughout Columbus. The Wonder Bread Sign is one such location. It is located near the Short North at the Wonder Bread Lofts, which was formally a bread factory. Another noteworthy landmark is the LeVeque Tower skyscraper, which claimed the honor of being the tallest building in the city for nearly 50 years. It no longer holds that distinction but is still an upscale hotel with a bar that is worth visiting.

What is there to do around Columbus?

The number of things to do in and around Columbus, Ohio, are simply immeasurable. Suffice it to say that you can stay as busy as you like all year long enjoying all this beautiful and historic city has to offer. If you like being outdoors, you will love the fact that Columbus is situated right where the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers combine. Water sports are replete, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and more. In addition, there are 175 acres of parkland to enjoy that runs along the river. This is to say nothing of the many art attractions, museums, restaurants, sports teams and more that are located in Columbus.

Where is the best place to move in Columbus?

When searching for homes to rent in Columbus, it’s good to know that virtually anywhere within the city of Columbus is a great place to live. However, one of the most popular areas is named “Five on High,” which describes five neighborhoods located along a five-mile stretch of High Street. High Street is a main thoroughfare in Columbus, and therefore, a desired location. The names of these neighborhoods include the University District (home to The Ohio State University), Downtown, German Village (picturesque location), the Arena District (named because of being home to three professional sports teams, the Columbus Clippers MLB, the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL, and the Columbus Crew MLS) and the Short North Arts District. Beyond Five on High, there are other bustling neighborhoods and local favorites as well. Columbus offers a rich supply of cultural and artistic expression, an abundance of restaurants, parks, attractions, and more, and is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies. Due to its low cost of living, this major U.S. city is a great move for many.

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Columbus, OH

Ranked #2

Among cities in Ohio for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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

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Columbus, OH Area Reviews

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Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus

What type of rentals are currently available in Columbus?

There are currently 4688 Apartments for Rent in Columbus, OH with pricing that ranges from $300 to $7,920. There are also 1091 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Columbus ranging from $500 to $11,500.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Columbus?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Columbus ranges from $500 to $11,500 with an average monthly rent of $3,578.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Columbus?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Columbus range from $650 to $7,425, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,200 to $8,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,364 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $625.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.