Cincinnati vs Columbus
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbus is 26% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $733/mo vs $924/mo in Cincinnati — saving $2,292/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Cincinnati | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $616 | $493 | $123 |
| 1 Bedroom | $741 | $600 | $141 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 | $733 | $191 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,099 | $932 | $167 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,252 | $1,032 | $220 |
| Median Income | $47,367 | $37,268 | $10,099 |
Cincinnati
- Studio
- $616/mo
- 1 BR
- $741/mo
- 2 BR
- $924/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,099/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,252/mo
- Median Income
- $47,367/yr
Columbus
- Studio
- $493/mo
- 1 BR
- $600/mo
- 2 BR
- $733/mo
- 3 BR
- $932/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,032/mo
- Median Income
- $37,268/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cincinnati or Columbus cheaper to rent in?
Columbus is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $733/mo vs $924/mo in Cincinnati. That's $191/mo or $2,292/year more expensive in Cincinnati (26% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Cincinnati vs Columbus?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Cincinnati is $924/month. In Columbus, a 2-bedroom FMR is $733/month.
How do incomes compare between Cincinnati and Columbus?
The median household income in Cincinnati is $47,367/year. In Columbus it is $37,268/year. Cincinnati has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Cincinnati vs Columbus?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Cincinnati is $616/mo. In Columbus it is $493/mo.