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Columbus most populous city and is the capital of the United States of Ohio. Students who come here to pursue their higher education. They first need to make a budget for living expenses so that they can live there without any financial stress. The average cost of living in Columbus per month for one person is approximately USD 1,251 after excluding the rent cost.
Columbus not only has top-notch universities but it also offers an affordable cost of living and a safe environment. If you are thinking of relocating to Columbus for higher studies, please understand the recent updates on the cost of living in Columbus which will help you manage the budget as per your limit. We have detailed the average cost of living in Columbus, Ohio with rent and other essential expenses for your reference. Let’s jump straight into discussing the average living cost in Columbus Ohio.
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Cost of Living in Columbus
On average, monthly the cost of living in Columbus for an individual is around USD 1,195 without rent. However, the rent of a room apartment may cost you around USD 1,200 to USD 2,000. The expenses of living in Columbus can vary from person to person as it depends on the budget and lifestyle that person prefers.
The cost of living in Columbus for an individual depends on some essential factors, such as accommodation rent, food and grocery prices, local transportation costs, utility bills, etc. While Columbus is a more affordable area in Ohio, its cost of living can vary depending on the student’s preferences and lifestyle choices. Here are some categories that contribute to the cost of living in Columbus:
Also Read: Cost of Living in Sydney: A Comprehensive Guide on Sydney’s Expense
Costs of Accommodation in Columbus
An apartment of one bedroom in Columbus City can cost around 1,523 USD per month for a single person, while an apartment of three bedrooms can cost up to 2946 USD. However, the average housing cost in Columbus depends on a few factors, such as the location and size of the apartment.
Housing costs contribute a large portion of the cost of living in Columbus. By looking at the table below, you can understand the average housing cost in Columbus, both inside and outside the city centre:
| Apartment | Location | Approx Monthly Cost |
| Single-Bedroom Apartment | City Centre | USD 1,523 |
| Single-bedroom Apartment | Outside the Centre | USD 1,171 |
| Three -bedrooms Apartment | City Centre | USD 2,946 |
| Three -bedrooms Apartment | Outside the Centre | USD 2,074 |
Cost of Utilities in Columbus
Colombians spend approximately USD 243 on basic utilities per month. Utility costs include electricity, water, heating, garbage bills, etc. For your convenience, we have already added the cost of utilities to the cost of living in Columbus. In the following table, utility costs in Columbus are given for your reference:
| Utility Type | Approx Monthly Cost |
| Basic Utility for an apartment (Water, Electricity, Cooling, Heating and Garbage) | USD 232 |
| Internet Plan (60 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | USD 70 |
| Monthly Mobile Phone Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | USD 53 |
Cost of Groceries in Columbus
In Columbus, students are required to maintain a monthly grocery budget as it is a primary and important part of the cost of living in Columbus. However, grocery costs may vary according to preferences and quality. For your convenience, the average price of groceries in Columbus is shown in the table below:
| Grocery Item | Approx Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | USD 0.91 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | USD 2.55 |
| Apples (1kg) | USD 5.06 |
| Banana (1kg) | USD 2.36 |
| Oranges (1kg) | USD 5.29 |
| Tomato (1kg) | USD 5.50 |
| Potato (1kg) | USD 4.46 |
| Onion (1kg) | USD 4.09 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | USD 1.80 |
| Cheese (1kg) | USD 13.63 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | USD 3.41 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | USD 3.13 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | USD 2.47 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Nashville: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Restaurant Food Costs in Columbus
Columbus offers a delicious taste of its food culture at an affordable price. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a restaurant or want to taste its street food, Columbus has something for everyone.
The average cost of a meal at an affordable restaurant in Colombia is around USD 20 and the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant for 2 people is around USD 70, including three main courses.
Transportation Costs in Columbus
Getting around Columbus is easy by public transportation like the COTA bus service, trains, and cabs, but it will cost some. Typically, a one-way fare in Columbus costs around USD 3. Public transportation costs in Columbus depend on the type of service you choose and the distance you travel.
We have added transportation costs to the total cost of living in Columbus for your convenience. But for your reference, below we have outlined the average cost of transportation in Columbus:
| Mode of Transport | Approx Monthly Cost |
| One-way Fare Ticket for Local Transport | USD 2.0 |
| Regular Monthly Pass | USD 65 |
| Taxi Start | USD 3.00 (Normal Tariff) |
| Taxi 1 km | USD 1.26 (Normal Tariff) |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting | USD 27.00 (Normal Tariff) |
| Gasoline | USD 0.89 per litre |
Cost of Living in Columbus Ohio Compared to Other States
In general, compared to many other states in the US, Columbus offers a fairly affordable cost of living with abundant opportunities for work and entertainment. Individuals need to thoroughly research the cost of living in nearby states to determine how affordable it is to align their financial goals with their lifestyle in Columbus.
For your reference, we have given the cost of living in Columbus compared to other cities like Cleveland, Chicago, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Seattle, and Charlotte. So in order to give you an idea of how affordable it is to live in Columbus to pursue higher education compared to other countries or cities. Please have a look:
| Cost of living city-wise | Approx Costs | Comparison Cost of Living in Columbus |
| Cost of Living in Cleveland | USD 1,184 | Approximately equal to Columbus |
| Cost of Living in Chicago | USD 1,305 | Higher than Columbus |
| Cost of Living in Cincinnati | USD 979 | Lower than Columbus |
| Cost of Living in Pittsburgh | USD 1,207 | Approximately equal to Columbus |
| Cost of Living in Dallas | USD 1,250 | Higher than Columbus |
| Cost of Living in Seattle | USD 1,385 | Lower than Columbus |
| Cost of Living in Charlotte | USD 1,256 | Higher than Columbus |
| Cost of Living in Denver | USD 1,293 | Higher than Columbus |
| Cost of Living in Indianapolis | USD 1,249 | Higher than Columbus |
| Cost of Living in Atlanta | USD 1,314 | Higher than Columbus |
Average Cost of Tuition Fees in Columbus
The main expenses for a student who wishes to pursue his or her higher education in Colombia universities are the tuition fees along with the cost of living in Columbus. However, the average cost of tuition fees in Colombian universities may vary according to the course you choose and the level of education you prefer to pursue.
Searching for the average tuition fees in universities in Columbus is a difficult task for a student. That is why the average tuition fees at universities in Columbus are given in the table below for your reference.
| Name of University in Columbus | Approx Tuition Fees per year |
| Columbus State University | USD 20,662 |
| The Ohio State University | USD 9740 to USD 81180 |
| Franklin University | USD 13780 to USD 21440 |
| Mount Carmel College of Nursing | USD 11280 – USD 17200 |
| Columbus College of Art and Design | USD 33960 |
| Ohio Dominican University | USD 17010 to USD 29430 |
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FAQs
Answer: The average cost of living in Columbus, Ohio with rent is around USD 2700. However, the living expenses and rental costs may vary according to the area and preferences of an individual.
Answer: The average cost of living in Columbus is approximately USD 1,195, which is roughly equivalent to the average cost of living in the United States of USD 1,168. So yes, living in Columbus, Ohio is not that expensive, even it offers an amazing lifestyle for students and residents.
Answer: Yes, Columbus is an affordable city as the average cost of living in Columbus is USD 1,195 without rent, which is not so expensive and anyone can easily afford to live here compared to other states in the United States.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Columbus. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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