Cost of Living in Columbus for Students In 2025

Columbus, Ohio, is increasingly recognized for offering an affordable yet dynamic living experience. Understanding the cost of living in Columbus is essential for students, international students, and single residents looking to budget effectively in this midwestern city. This comprehensive blog breaks down costs like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and more, highlighting what shapes the average living cost in Columbus today. The Columbus cost of living for students is quite affordable, especially compared to other major university cities in the United States.

Introduction: Why the Cost of Living in Columbus Matters

The cost of living in Columbus is 8.6% lower than the national average, making it attractive to those who want to balance lifestyle and affordability. Columbus stands out with its lower housing rates, transportation expenses, and healthcare costs compared to many U.S. metro areas. For students and international students, these costs are critical as they seek quality living without breaking their budgets. This blog will focus on the cost of living in Columbus for students and singles, providing updated data for 2025. The living cost in Columbus for international students include rent, food, transportation, and other daily expenses, all of which are reasonably priced.

Housing and Rent: A Major Part of Columbus Living Expenses

One of the largest factors impacting the cost of living in Columbus is housing. In 2025, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,694 per month, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,445. These rates are approximately 23.5% below the national average, making Columbus a comparatively affordable city for renters.​ On average, living expenses in Columbus for international students range between $1,000 and $1,600 per month, depending on housing and lifestyle choices.

However, rent depends on the neighborhood. Areas like Downtown Columbus have higher rents, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,926 and two-bedroom apartments approaching $2,861. Conversely, more affordable neighborhoods such as Franklin Park offer one-bedroom rents as low as $859 per month, which is 51% below the national average.​

For students and international students, shared housing opportunities significantly reduce the living cost in Columbus, helping them stay within tight budgets.

• Median rent in Columbus, OH (2025):
  One-bedroom: $1,445Two-bedroom: $1,694

• Affordable neighborhoods: Franklin Park ($859/month for a one-bedroom)

Homebuyers face a median home price of around $220,100, which is lower than many other U.S. cities but sees steady growth reflecting Columbus’s urban development.​ The average cost of living in Columbus, USA, is lower than the national average, making it an appealing city for students and professionals. The cost of living in Columbus for a single person typically ranges from $1,300 to $1,900 per month, depending on lifestyle and housing preferences.

Utilities and Internet Costs in Columbus

Utilities make up the next significant component of the living cost in Columbus. Monthly utility bills, including electricity, water, gas, and garbage, typically range between $100 and $200. Columbus utility prices are slightly above the national average (~4% higher) but are reasonable compared to large metropolitan costs.​

High summer temperatures can increase electricity use for air conditioning, making utilities an important monthly consideration. Internet plans cost around $50–$70 per month, which is consistent with national averages.

Food and Grocery Expenses

Groceries add substantially to the cost of living in Columbus, but remain manageable. Grocery prices are around 1% higher than the national average, with a typical monthly grocery bill for a single person estimated at about $350–$450.​

Prices for common items include:

• Loaf of bread: $3.49

• Gallon of milk: $3.64

• Dozen eggs: $2.48

• Bananas: $0.58 per pound

Eating out costs vary, averaging about $12–$20 for meals at casual restaurants, which impacts monthly food spending depending on habits.

Transportation Costs: Getting Around Columbus

Transportation costs affect living expenses but remain below national averages. Public transit fares typically cost around $2 per ride, with monthly passes at approximately $60. Many students utilize biking or walking close to campus to reduce transportation expenses.​ The average living cost in Columbus remains affordable, offering a balanced mix of city life and cost efficiency for students and working individuals.

Owning a car adds costs such as gas (around $3.20/gallon), insurance, and parking fees, which should be included when calculating the cost of living in Columbus. The Columbus USA cost of living is considered very reasonable, with housing and transportation costs well below those of larger U.S. cities.

Healthcare and Insurance in Columbus

Healthcare costs in Columbus are favorable compared to national levels. Average doctor’s appointments run about $100 to $120, with dental care and prescriptions similarly affordable. Health insurance premiums vary, averaging $300 to $450 per month for individuals and students, depending on the type of coverage.​

These relatively low healthcare costs contribute positively to the overall cost of living in Columbus. The average living expenses in Columbus are ideal for students who want to live comfortably while keeping their budget under control.

Personal and Miscellaneous Spending

Additional monthly personal expenses may include gym memberships ($30–$50), entertainment ($50–$100), clothing, and other necessities, typically amounting to $100–$200 combined.

Cost of Living in Columbus for Students and International Students

Students and international students often benefit from Columbus’s relatively low housing costs and access to transportation discounts, delivering a monthly cost of living between $900 and $1,600. Shared accommodations and campus facilities help keep costs reasonable, making Columbus a practical choice for study.

Safety and Location Effects on Cost

The cost of living in Columbus varies by neighborhood. Living near colleges and downtown areas may increase costs but provide benefits like public transit access, safety, and shorter commutes. Suburbs and outlying areas have lower rent but may require more transportation spending. Living expenses in Columbus are manageable, allowing students and residents to enjoy a good quality of life without excessive expenditure.

Conclusion: Columbus Cost of Living Offers Balance

Columbus's cost of living in 2025 remains affordable when compared to other metro areas, balancing housing, transportation, and personal expenses. This makes it an attractive city for students, singles, and international residents seeking a manageable living budget alongside career or academic opportunities.

To manage living costs in Columbus effectively, explore shared housing, student discounts, and strategic neighborhood choices.

#Housing

Follow us on