Cost of Living in Columbus for Students

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Columbus is an attractive city in the centre of Ohio, a hub for education, trade and commerce. It is also a student-friendly city as it has a diverse academic environment and is home to many excellent institutions. The student population is huge in Columbus and offers affordable student housing and various amenities from eating choices, lively entertainment and leisure activities.

Is Columbus a student city?

It is home to Ohio State University, one of the country’s largest universities. With the thriving arts and cultural scene in Columbus, as a student, you will have a lot of exploration away from campus life. The city also boasts greenery parks and has a reputation for a business-friendly environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, providing job opportunities for students.

Is Columbus expensive?

The cost of living in Columbus is relatively low compared to many cities in the US. The cost of living will be around $1,100 – $1,800 per month, excluding your tuition fees. The expenses will include your rent, food, transportation and other miscellaneous expenses.

Please remember that the cost of living in Columbus will depend upon your lifestyle.

For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.

Before we list the details of the cost of living in Columbus, let’s summarize its price.

Expenses	Cost (Average)
Average Tuition Fees	$28,000 – $38,000 /Year
Accommodation	$630 – $2,000 /Month
Local transport	$90 /Month

How much does it cost to study in Columbus?

There are many universities in Ohio, and the charges for tuition fees will depend upon the program, the enrollment status, the program you choose to study, and nationality. You can check in with universities for financial aid, scholarships or grants to support your tuition fees in pursuing higher studies. Below is only an average cost of the fee for UG and PG programs in Ohio. Please check in with your universities for the same.

Undergraduate Tuition Fee	Post-Graduate Tuition Fee
$28,000 – $36,000 /Year	$30,000 – $38,000 /Year

Student Housing

With student housing, you can stay off-campus and choose any room based on your budget, location preference, etc. They are affordable, close to universities, fully-furnished and equipped with the best amenities.

Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are up to 20 miles.

Student Housing	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	$630 – $2,000 /Month

Private Apartment

Private apartments can be viable if you seek more private and independent living. It is different from traditional dormitories on the factors of convenience, security, community building and options to choose from a wide range of apartments that are full-furnished with amenities.

Apartment	Price
Private	$800 – $1,000 /Month

University Halls

University halls, also known as residence halls, are on-campus accommodations provided and managed by universities. They are close to the university campus and convenient for class, but they have few living benefits.

University Hall	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	$1,100 – $1,700 /Month

Is food expensive in Columbus?

Columbus has many different food scenes; the cost of food can vary depending on the restaurants, eateries, cafes, eating and spending habits. Dining at restaurants and local eateries can be expensive while cooking meals at home can save your budget.

What is the cost of utility bills in Columbus?

The cost of utility bills in Columbus will be $200 per month. This bill includes water, gas, electricity, heating, cooling, etc. The student housing in Columbus covers all the utility bills in the rent.

What is the best and cheapest way to get around Columbus?

Columbus is a pedestrian-friendly country where the country can be navigated by walking. The best and cheapest way to travel in and out of the city is by using public transportation such as buses; they will get you to places in the neighbourhood and known localities within the city. A one-way bus fare ride will cost $2.