If you're thinking about making a move and eyeing a new apartment, you're probably wondering: How much is rent in Columbus right now? Or maybe you're considering renewing your lease and unsure how the current economy will affect your rent. 

Let’s break down what’s happening in the Columbus rental market—and show you why downtown living, especially at 985 High, might be more within reach than you think. 

Why 985 High is Where You Want to Be

Located at the intersection of West 2nd Avenue and High Street, 985 High is right in the heart of the Short North Arts District, one of Columbus’s most sought-after neighborhoods for young professionals. 

We offer 105 boutique-style apartments ranging from studios to one- and two-bedroom layouts, with floor plans spanning 387 to 1,765 square feet. Each home features luxury finishes, open concept living spaces, and thoughtful design for modern lifestyles. 

Our community amenities include: 

• A stunning rooftop deck with cozy seating, TVs, games, and a kitchenette 

• A state-of-the-art fitness center and on-site group classes 

• Controlled entry access and a secure parking garage 

• Walkable access to work, restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife 

• On-site maintenance and a pet-friendly atmosphere 

What’s the Rent in Columbus Right Now? 

Let’s talk numbers. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Columbus is $1,328 per month, and the average apartment size is 882 square feet. These numbers reflect a wide range of apartment types, from budget-friendly studios to spacious multi-bedroom units in premium locations. 

As of April 2025, Zillow reports a modest $5 year-over-year increase in average rent across the city, showing that prices have remained relatively stable despite broader economic uncertainty. In fact, from March to April alone, Columbus saw a $15 average rent decrease. 

The city remains below the national average for rental prices and is considered a “warm market,” meaning renters currently have more options and less competition compared to hotter housing markets. 

Downtown Living, Without the Stress 

At BORROR, we’re committed to offering competitive pricing for our high-end apartments without compromising on quality. Our focus is on creating a lifestyle that blends comfort, convenience, and community—so you can live better, every day. 

Life. Better. Lived. 

If you’re ready to experience the best of downtown Columbus living, explore our floor plans and availability today –  Visit 985 High.

The post How Much Is Rent in Columbus, OH? appeared first on 985 High Blog.

There are a number of factors when you are determining how much rent you can and should take on, including your gross monthly income, additional costs, and any monthly expenses you expect to pay. 

Consider Your Overall Budget 

Perhaps a more realistic approach to determining your rent budget is looking at your overall budget, your financial obligations and financial goals. Financial obligations are the things you must pay, including all housing-related costs, not just rent. This includes utilities, renter’s insurance, parking fees, and potential rent increases over time.   

Financial goals are financial milestones you’re working toward, such as reducing your debt, building up your retirement, and saving for a down payment on a new home.  Once you have a basic idea of these two financial factors plus your expected or net pay, you can work backward to determine a realistic budget. 

The 30% Rule  

A good place to start when planning your rent budget is the 30% rule, which advises you to spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. Of course, this is just a general guideline, and many people find it necessary to spend more than 30% of their income on rent, particularly in higher-cost areas. 

The 50/30/20 Rule 

Another approach is the 50/30/20 rule. This tells you to allocate 50% of your take-home pay for those financial obligations, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt payments.  

Other Factors Impacting Your Rent Budget  

While these mathematical formulas are a nice place to start and can serve as a helpful guideline to establishing your rent budget, in reality, a number of factors will likely impact what you can and should pay for rent.  

• Location – Rent prices can vary significantly between cities and neighborhoods. Your family and work may dictate where you live, so you will need to develop your rent budget based on that location.  
   

• Lifestyle – How much do you spend on other expenses, including travel, dining out, and entertainment? If you love these things, it may be wise to plan a little bit lower for your rent budget so you can live the lifestyle you want.  

• Career stage – Recent graduates who are just starting out likely have different priorities than established professionals. Each person is going to have a different list of priorities, just be sure you understand what those are for yourself before you begin to plan your rent budget.  
   

• Debt – It is essential to understand your debt obligations, including car payments, credit card debt, and student loans that will impact how much you can afford for rent. 

Test Your Budget 

If feasible, test out your anticipated rent budget for a few months by setting aside the amount plus estimated utilities. Doing so before committing to a rent budget will help you determine if the payment is truly manageable for your budget 

While guidelines can be helpful, the most important factor is finding a rent payment that allows you to comfortably cover all your expenses, save for the future, and maintain your desired lifestyle. 

Ready to move? 985 High is in the heart of the city AND now leasing!

The post Planning Your Rent Budget appeared first on 985 High Blog.

Why should you consider renting? 

Lower costs 

Financial circumstances are the most common reason to choose to rent over buying a home. Renting can be less expensive than buying a home for many reasons. While renters do have to generally pay a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, they do not have to make a much more exorbitant down payment – usually around 20% of the home’s value. In addition to this, renter’s insurance and utility costs also tend to be much cheaper than those of homeowners. 

Maintenance free living 

Another significant advantage to renting is the lack of maintenance fees and repair costs. As a renter, your landlord or property owner assumes full responsibility for all repairs, maintenance, and renovation costs. This means that when a repair or improvement is needed, one can call their landlord or owner to take care of it. At Borror Properties, we offer on-site maintenance to help our tenants with any needed repairs.  

Amenities 

Amenities are a huge bonus when it comes to renting. Whether it’s a 24-hour fitness gym, rooftop deck, or a glistening pool, these amenities tend to be included in the price of rent and are accessible to all renters. Homeowners must spend hefty prices on installing private gyms or pools to have these amenities. 

Flexible living 

Renters can live and move anywhere they’d like, and as often as they want. Renting is much cheaper in cities and highly populated areas, which makes living in New York City or Los Angeles or Columbus much easier to manage. Renters are also more flexible in the size of their property. The upscaling or downsizing processes are much simpler for renters than homeowners. 

Convinced renting is the right move for you? Check out our available floorplans at 985 High at the Castle, The Beeker, and Xander on State. 

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