12 Pros and Cons of Living in Columbus, Ohio

Is Columbus, Ohio, a good place to live? Absolutely! There’s a lot more to love about Columbus than just its passionate college football fanbase. There’s a thriving arts and culture scene that provides a lot of the entertainment happening in the city, for instance. Columbus is also known for its diverse food scene, affordable cost of living, variety of breweries, and abundant outdoor recreation activities. But while there is a lot to love about this city, it’s important to get familiar with both the pros and cons of living in Columbus before you make the decision to move. 

Fun Facts You Should Know About Columbus

• How many people live in Columbus, Ohio? It’s estimated that the city has a current population of 1,727,000.
• Columbus has been a haven for immigrants since 1812, which contributes to the amount of historic neighborhoods across the city.
• Columbus is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the entire Midwest.
• Home to its fair share of vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, the Five on High neighborhoods offer proximity to all the fun action in the city.
• The Wendy’s fast food chain was founded in Columbus.
• With a rich legacy in literature, the Columbus area has been the home of renowned authors, including James Thurber.

12 Pros and Cons of Living in Columbus 

Residents of Columbus may enjoy the lively culture and affordable cost of living, but — just like in any city — they dislike other aspects of living there, like the rough winters and issues with crime. To get the best idea on what you might expect before moving, here are the top pros and cons of living in Columbus. 

1. Pro: Columbus Is a Cultural Hub.

Columbus is home to a vibrant arts scene, with several performing arts spaces, galleries, and museums to explore. Community events and festivals are a large part of the entertainment in the city, and people from all over will travel to the city for lively activities at both the Columbus Arts Festival and Ohio State Fair, for example. 

One of the city's most prominent institutions is the Columbus Museum of Art, which features a wide range of historical and contemporary art pieces. The Wexner Center is another impressive venue to visit for experimental film and contemporary art. The Ohio Theatre is a great venue for performances, and it also regularly hosts Broadway shows. And the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is located in the heart of the city and features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits that showcase plants from various countries.

Situated south of Downtown Columbus is German Village, which is a beautiful neighborhood full of rich culture, brick homes, and shops. It was built by German immigrants, and it features historic charm along with modern updates. Several local businesses — including a variety of coffee and pastry shops — are located in the area. You can also check out the free Shakespeare performances held in Schiller Park.

Winter in Columbus will feel long and cold, and it can be challenging to get used to if you’re from a warmer climate.
(Source: Experience Columbus via Facebook)

2. Con: There Are Air Quality Concerns in the Summer and Harsh Winters.

In Columbus, the air quality can be a concern for people with respiratory conditions during the summer season, as its location and proximity to coal-fired facilities can result in high levels of particulate matter and ozone.

The winter season in Columbus will feel long and cold, and it can be challenging to get used to if you’re from a warmer climate. The average high is 41 degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures rarely dip below 22. It snows every year, with an average monthly snowfall around 3 inches.

4. Con: Safety May Not Be One of The City’s Standout Perks.

The crime rate in Columbus is among the highest in the country, with a rate of 40 crimes per 1,000 residents. It's also one of the highest in the state of Ohio — over 97 percent of communities have lower crime rates than the city. 

The rate of violent crime, in particular, in Columbus is higher than that of most communities in the country, and there is a 1 in 221 chance that a person will be a victim of some type of violent crime in the city.

Columbus’ cost of living is much more affordable than many other major U.S. cities.
(Source: Experience Columbus via Facebook)

5. Pro: There’s Less Stress About Keeping Up With the Cost of Living in Columbus.

If you’re looking to budget more when it comes to housing, then you’re in luck. Columbus’ cost of living is much more affordable than many other major U.S. cities. One of the main factors contributing to the low cost of living in the city is the affordable housing costs, which are eight percent lower than the national average. 

The total cost of living in Columbus, Ohio, is six percent lower than the national average. For comparison, take a look at the cost of living in other major U.S. cities:

• Indianapolis: 10 percent lower than the national average
• Pittsburgh: 2 percent lower than the national average
• Chicago: 14 percent higher than the national average
• Washington, D.C.: 39 percent higher than the national average

While the idea of living in a major city like Washington, D.C., seems like a dream, the cost of living is one of the main factors that turns people away. D.C.’s average rent, for example, is around $2,475 for a one-bedroom that’s almost 750 square feet, while Columbus’ average rent is only around $1,300 for a one-bedroom that’s closer to 900 square feet. And when it comes to the living wage, a comfortable hourly living wage in Columbus for a single person is $20.96, compared to $24.16 in Chicago.

6. Con: Congestion Can Create Havoc.

Due to the rapid growth of Columbus, the city's traffic has increased, causing some residents to have longer commute times. The growth of the suburban areas has created challenges for the city's planners, who have to balance the need for new development while preserving the city's urban character.

Columbus has a transit score of 30, which places it below other major metropolitan areas. This means the city’s public transportation isn’t as efficient or extensive as other public transportation systems, making it more challenging for those who rely on it to get around the city.

7. Pro: There’s an Exciting Culinary Scene.

A diverse array of restaurants and food trucks can be found in Columbus. You’ll find everything from upscale dining experiences in German Village to locally owned favorites at the food trucks on High Street. And whether you’re in the mood for a place like Kuya Ian’s Bistro for Filipino food or Wycliff’s Kitchen for Kenyan fare, you can hear the city’s story through its chefs.

While nightlife in Columbus may not be as impressive as in some other big cities, it can still make for a fun time.
(Source: The Bluestone via Facebook)

8. Con: You Can Find Better Nightlife Scenes in Other Cities.

9. Pro: You Can Rely On Quality Education Options From Grade School to College.

Whether you are looking to send your kids to a quality public school or you’re an adult looking for higher-education opportunities, Columbus has plenty of options to choose from. 
The city is home to several great school districts, including Dublin City Schools, New Albany-Plain Local School District, and the Olentangy Local School District. Private schools like the Columbus Academy and Columbus School for Girls are also ideal. 

And for higher education, there are universities of all sizes to accommodate you. Whether you want the hustle and bustle of an institution like Ohio State University (with all the Buckeyes games you could ask for) or the low-key feel of a school like Cedarville University — which only serves about 4,500 students each year — Columbus can deliver.

10. Con: Property Taxes Can Sneak Up on You.

Columbus residents pay some of the highest property taxes in Ohio, even though the overall cost of living is still considered low. The taxes support various services, such as public safety and schools, but they can also strain household budgets and prevent people from investing in property within city limits.

In Ohio, the median property tax rate increased by 23.1 percent from 2019 to 2023. And according to Redfin, the annual income needed to purchase a median-priced home increased by 23.8 percent. Despite this, Columbus is still considered one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. 

Colonial houses, craftsman homes, and industrial lofts are some of the most common build styles you’ll come across when looking for a home in Columbus.
(Source: Andy Schiffman, Realtor via Facebook)

11. Pro: Affordable Housing Options Won’t Break the Bank.

With an average home value of approximately $241,900, the homes in the Columbus real estate market are generally affordable. Colonial houses, craftsman homes, and industrial lofts are some of the most common build styles you’ll come across when looking for a home. Colonial homes feature more of a spacious interior, while other options like craftsman homes are more simplistic, accompanied by stunning details like roof eaves and tapered columns. And when it comes to rentals, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Columbus is approximately $1,300, with an average size of around 880 square feet.

12. Con: Ohioan Sports Lovers Have a Reputation for Being Rowdy.

If you live in Ohio and ever attend sports games, you’ll quickly become aware of the loud and rowdy reputation Ohio State fans hold. And although there's obviously not a problem with showing die-hard support for your favorite team, sometimes things can get a little too intense.

Ohioans are very passionate about their football teams, in particular, which include the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. The Ohio State Buckeyes probably get the most attention, though, and sometimes you'll catch fans getting into physical fights as a result.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional hockey team based in the city, and the Columbus Crew is a Major League Soccer team that's very popular in the area. Other sports teams based in the city include the Ohio Machine, which is a professional lacrosse team, and the minor league baseball team of the Columbus Clippers.

Living in Columbus, Ohio — FAQs

Q: Is Columbus, Ohio, a good place to live?
A: With an affordable cost of living, a lively cultural scene, great schools, and so much more, Columbus, Ohio, is a great place to live.

Q: What are the pros and cons of Columbus?
A: Columbus may be a cheaper place to live with a lot of opportunities to offer; however, the weather, issues with crime, and lack of nightlife are some of the cons.

Q: What are the drawbacks of living in Ohio?
A: Lack of public transportation options, weather concerns, and aging infrastructure are some of the drawbacks of living in Ohio as a whole.

Q: Is Columbus a fun city to live in?
A: Although Columbus may not be as well known for its nightlife scene, there are still opportunities for fun including live music events, bars, and distilleries to visit.

Make your move a flexible one with PODS!

Ready To Move to Columbus?

Now that you have a better grasp on the pros and cons of living in Columbus, it’s time to make the decision about whether or not the city is right for you. If you’re a fan of low living costs, cultural activities, sports, and the outdoors, and don’t mind winter weather, limited public transportation, and not as many nightlife hotspots, it’s definitely worth it to move to Columbus.

Once you’ve decided to move to Columbus, let PODS help you get there. Have a portable moving and storage container delivered right to your driveway where you can pack and load your belongings at your own pace. Once you’re ready, your container will be picked up and transported to your new Columbus home, or you can store it in a PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it. With one month of storage included in every move, you never have to feel rushed. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.