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 16, 2025, the average rent in Columbus is $1,146, which is 2.1% 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
$1,153/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
470 Rentals
Bexley/Whitehall is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Bexley/Whitehall is $1,153 while the city average is $1,146. This is a 2.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Blendon Woods Metro Park, Broad Street Shopping Center, and Hamilton Square. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 54.
Greater Hilltop
Average Rent
$1,178/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
TransitScore® Rating
15/100
Units Available
289 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
When you’re looking for a great Columbus neighborhood on a budget, check out Clintonville. The average rent is $1,238, compared to the city average of $1,146. Rent prices have increased by 2.9%. Clintonville is convenient to Clintonville Commons, Sharon Woods Metro Park, and Morse/High Center. The community is walkable 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
Dublin/Hilliard is an affordable neighborhood in Columbus with an average rent price of $1,438. Compare this to the city average of $1,146. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.1%. Dublin/Hilliard provides easy access to The Ohio State University, Glacier Ridge Metro Park, and Homestead Park. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 44.
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
0.8%
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%
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
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
6/100
Units Available
123 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbus, Polaris North might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,626, while the city’s average stands at $1,146. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.6%. Polaris North is near Alum Creek State Park, Highbanks Metro Park, and The Ohio State University.
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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.