Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbus, OH

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbus are Busch, Lincoln Village South, and Pine Hills. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbus, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 24, 2025, the average rent in Columbus is $1,140, which is 0.1% lower 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.

Busch

Average Rent

$813/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.3%

TransitScore® Rating

20/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Columbus neighborhood on a budget, check out Busch. The average rent is $813, compared to the city average of $1,140. Rent prices have increased by 3.3%. Busch is convenient to Ohio Dominican University, Wilson Bridge Plaza, and Otterbein College. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 46.

Lincoln Village South

Average Rent

$877/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

Lincoln Village South is an affordable neighborhood in Columbus with an average rent price of $877. Compare this to the city average of $1,140. Lincoln Village South provides easy access to Franklin University, Columbus Coll. of Art & Design, and Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 68.

Pine Hills

Average Rent

$896/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

TransitScore® Rating

31/100

Units Available

19 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbus, Pine Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $896, while the city’s average stands at $1,140. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.6%. Pine Hills is near Capital University, Shoppes at Wyandotte, and Walnut Woods Metro Park.

Salem Village

Average Rent

$896/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

TransitScore® Rating

31/100

Units Available

34 Rentals

Salem Village is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Salem Village is $896 while the city average is $1,140. This is a -1.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to John Glenn Columbus International, Otterbein College, and Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 53.

Central Hilltop

Average Rent

$899/Month

TransitScore® Rating

36/100

Units Available

18 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Columbus neighborhood on a budget, check out Central Hilltop. The average rent is $899, compared to the city average of $1,140. Rent prices have increased by 0%. Central Hilltop is convenient to Franklinton Square, John Glenn Columbus International, and Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 61.

North Hilltop

Average Rent

$899/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.1%

TransitScore® Rating

33/100

Units Available

25 Rentals

North Hilltop is an affordable neighborhood in Columbus with an average rent price of $899. Compare this to the city average of $1,140. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.1%. North Hilltop provides easy access to Hilltop Market Place, Scioto Audubon Metro Park, and Columbus State C.C., Columbus. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 61.

Westwood Heights

Average Rent

$899/Month

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

11 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbus, Westwood Heights might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $899, while the city’s average stands at $1,140. Westwood Heights is near Franklin University, The Ohio State University, and Grange Insurance Audubon Center.

Stone Lodge

Average Rent

$900/Month

TransitScore® Rating

30/100

Units Available

17 Rentals

Stone Lodge is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Stone Lodge is $900 while the city average is $1,140. Residents enjoy convenient access to Ohio Dominican University, Hamlin Shopping Center, and Pickerington Ponds Metro Park. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 11.

Eastmoor

Average Rent

$905/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

TransitScore® Rating

40/100

Units Available

16 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Columbus neighborhood on a budget, check out Eastmoor. The average rent is $905, compared to the city average of $1,140. Rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Eastmoor is convenient to Scioto Audubon Metro Park, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden, and Center of Science and Industry (COSI). The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 58.

Ironwood Condominiums

Average Rent

$906/Month

Units Available

30 Rentals

Ironwood Condominiums is an affordable neighborhood in Columbus with an average rent price of $906. Compare this to the city average of $1,140. Ironwood Condominiums provides easy access to Blendon Woods Metro Park, John Glenn Columbus International, and Kelton House Museum & Garden.

Ready to make your move to Columbus? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

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.