Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbus, OH

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbus are Bexley/Whitehall, Greater Hilltop, and Clintonville. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbus, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 15, 2025, the average rent in Columbus is $1,147, which is 2.2% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Bexley/Whitehall

Average Rent

$1,154/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

469 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Columbus neighborhood on a budget, check out Bexley/Whitehall. The average rent is $1,154, compared to the city average of $1,147. Bexley/Whitehall is convenient to Columbus State C.C., Columbus, Kelton House Museum & Garden, and The Office City Collection. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 42.

Greater Hilltop

Average Rent

$1,179/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

TransitScore® Rating

15/100

Units Available

288 Rentals

Greater Hilltop in Columbus, OH offers budget-friendly apartments with convenient access to public transportation and local parks. The neighborhood's affordable living options make it a top choice for renters looking for a home convenient to shopping centers and dining establishments at a reasonable price.

Clintonville

Average Rent

$1,238/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.9%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

98 Rentals

Clintonville is an affordable neighborhood in Columbus with an average rent price of $1,238. Compare this to the city average of $1,147. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.9%. Clintonville provides easy access to Beechwold Place, Kelton House Museum & Garden, and Sharon Woods Metro Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 75.

Tri-Village

Average Rent

$1,303/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.8%

TransitScore® Rating

30/100

Units Available

176 Rentals

Tri-Village in Columbus, Ohio, is a trendy area near Ohio State University. The area is teeming with bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as community events and city-wide festivals. Residents in Tri-Village enjoy affordable living combined with a charming, energetic atmosphere.

Dublin/Hilliard

Average Rent

$1,438/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.1%

TransitScore® Rating

9/100

Units Available

943 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbus, Dublin/Hilliard might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,438, while the city’s average stands at $1,147. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.1%. Dublin/Hilliard is near Rickenbacker International, The Ohio State University, and Mill Run Center.

Northeast Columbus

Average Rent

$1,544/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.3%

TransitScore® Rating

22/100

Units Available

1,069 Rentals

Northeast Columbus stands out for its lakes, arks, and golf courses. The scenic neighborhood is fifteen miles outside of Downtown Columbus, perfect for those seeking the respite of a small town with city conveniences.

Polaris South

Average Rent

$1,551/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.6%

TransitScore® Rating

22/100

Units Available

202 Rentals

Polaris South in Columbus, Ohio, is a major commercial district in Columbus. From apartments to shopping centers to workspaces, this neighborhood is a hub of activity. Polaris South also offers pockets of residential respite, like greenspaces and cozy apartment homes.

Polaris

Average Rent

$1,571/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

21/100

Units Available

207 Rentals

Polaris offers affordable living just 13 miles north of the city center. The area is known for its wealth of amenities, such as Polaris Fashion Place, Polaris Town Center, Magic Mountain Fun Center, and Polaris Parkway. Residents enjoy driving into the city for their retail needs and then returning home for a stroll along Polaris Parkway.

Arena District

Average Rent

$1,600/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

7.1%

TransitScore® Rating

57/100

Units Available

110 Rentals

Arena District is right beside the heart of Downtown Columbus. As its name suggests, this neighborhood is known for hosting sporting events and concerts in a variety of venues. Residents also enjoy walkable access to Downtown Columbus and its shopping, retail, and dining offerings.

Polaris North

Average Rent

$1,626/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.3%

TransitScore® Rating

6/100

Units Available

123 Rentals

Polaris North is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Polaris North is $1,626 while the city average is $1,147. This is a 0.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Rickenbacker International, Weitkamp Observatory, and Gemini Place Towne Center. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 40.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.