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Columbus, Ohio: Cost of Living, Healthcare, Local Clubs and Activities, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Columbus | Expat Exchange
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Columbus, Ohio

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jul 08, 2023

Summary: The population of Columbus, OH is estimated to be around 892,533 people. People love living in Columbus because of its diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, and abundance of outdoor activities. There are plenty of activities for residents in Columbus, such as visiting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, exploring the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and attending events at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. The weather in Columbus is generally mild, with hot summers and cold winters. The average cost of living for a family in Columbus is around $3,000 per month. The cost of a three bedroom home in Columbus is around $200,000, while a four bedroom home is around $250,000. The best neighborhoods to live in Columbus are German Village, Clintonville, and Grandview Heights. These neighborhoods offer a variety of amenities, such as great restaurants, parks, and shopping. They are also close to downtown Columbus, making them convenient for commuters.

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What do I need to know about living in Columbus?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Columbus, they said:

"The area is undergoing a negative shift in the local economy. The lower income areas are growing rapidly. People who have the opportunity are trying to move farther away from central Ohio. Public transportation is not easy to large portions of Franklin County making owning a car extremely important. Because of gas prices, of lower incomes can no longer get to work if they are not on the public bus and close to a bus stop. There is also growing crime at these bus stops making them unsafe in many areas," explained one expat living in Columbus, US.

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What do I need to know before moving to Columbus?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Columbus, they said:

"Contact me! Seriously. I am working in a mortgage company (www.americanhm.com). I can advise, as best I can, or at least confer with one of the Loan Officers and endless list of Realtors we have," said one expat who made the move to Columbus.

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Columbus?

"Bungalow style; ground floor house with finished basement. No, this is not usual. Depending on what your financial situation is you can do very well," remarked one expat living in Columbus, US.

What is the average cost of housing in Columbus?

If you are thinking about moving to Columbus, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Lower, I feel. You get more for your money as space is not so limited. Average costs: our mortgage is $1,100. That's for 3bdrm, 1bthrm, acreage...," wrote one member in Columbus.

How do I meet people in Columbus?

When we asked people living in Columbus about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Franklin County Metro Parks, meetup.com, volunteer and arts sections of Columbus Sunday Dispatch," commented one expat who made the move to Columbus.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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Will I be able to find a job in Columbus?

When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Columbus, they reponded:

"The biggest single employers are Ohio State University, city, and county governments. Good paying jobs are much harder to find. Lower income employers like gas stations and restuarnts have a harder time finding workers who can provide their own transportation," said one expat in Columbus.

What is life like in Columbus?

When we asked people living in Columbus what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"The culture is very fragmented. Most neighbors prefer little or no contact with other neighbors. Very few families are staying together. Sports is more and more limited to people of better incomes. Many people to theatres alone," remarked one expat living in Columbus, US.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Columbus accepting of differences?

"Many foriegners are shocked by the culture when they arrived. Churches are nothing more than very artificial once or twice a week get-to-gethers. It is not whether you will be accepted. It is more like no one could care less. The numbers of people pouring through mental health service agencies are staggering," said one expat who made the move to Columbus.

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Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Columbus?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Columbus responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Columbus appreciate the city's affordability, diverse cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife. They also enjoy the city's easy access to outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. Additionally, the city's strong job market and growing tech industry make it an attractive destination for digital nomads. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's lack of public transportation and limited international cuisine options to be drawbacks," commented one expat who moved to Columbus.

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Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What type of social life can someone expect in Columbus?

When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Columbus, they replied:

"Expats, retirees and digital nomads living in Columbus typically have an active social life. There are many opportunities to meet people through local meetups, networking events, and social clubs. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with plenty of galleries, museums, and live music venues to explore. Additionally, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as biking, hiking, and kayaking. With its diverse population, Columbus is a great place to make new friends and build a strong social network," commented one expat who moved to Columbus.

"Columbus is a vibrant city with a lively social scene. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore, as well as a variety of cultural events and activities to enjoy. The city is home to a diverse population, so there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a night out on the town or a more relaxed evening, Columbus has something to offer. The city also has a thriving music scene, with plenty of live music venues and festivals to explore," remarked one expat in Columbus.

What advice to expats in Columbus have about housing?

"When looking for housing in Columbus, it is important to research the area thoroughly and consider the cost of living. It is also important to consider the commute to work and other amenities such as grocery stores, parks, and entertainment. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the crime rate in the area and to make sure the neighborhood is safe. Finally, it is important to find a landlord or property manager who is reliable and trustworthy," said an expat in Columbus.

What are medical services in Columbus like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Columbus, they replied:

"Columbus is home to a wide variety of medical services. The city is home to several major hospitals, including Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Additionally, there are numerous specialty clinics and medical centers throughout the city, offering services ranging from primary care to specialized treatments. Columbus also has a number of urgent care centers, providing quick and convenient care for minor illnesses and injuries. The city also has a variety of mental health services, including counseling and therapy," commented one expat who moved to Columbus.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Columbus?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Columbus can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and provider. Generally, health insurance premiums are higher than the national average, and out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services can also be high. However, there are a variety of health insurance plans available in the area, and many employers offer health insurance benefits to their employees. Additionally, there are a number of government programs and subsidies available to help offset the cost of healthcare and health insurance," mentioned an expat living in Columbus.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Is the cost of living in Columbus high?

We asked people about the cost of living in Columbus, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Columbus is generally considered affordable and is slightly lower than the US average. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment ranges from about $780 to $1230 per month, while the price for a nice 2 bedroom apartment ranges from about $900 to $1600 per month. The cost to eat dinner at a moderately priced restaurant is around $20, depending on the restaurant and type of food," mentioned an expat living in Columbus.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Columbus?

"In order to obtain a visa to live in Columbus, an individual must first apply for a nonimmigrant visa through the U.S. Department of State. This process involves submitting an application, providing supporting documents, and attending an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once the visa is approved, the individual can travel to the United States. In order to apply for residency in Columbus, an individual must first obtain a valid visa. Once the visa is obtained, the individual must then apply for a green card through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This process involves submitting an application, providing supporting documents, and attending an interview. Once the green card is approved, the individual can live and work in the United States," said one expat.

Why do people move to Columbus?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Columbus, they responded:

"Columbus, OH is an attractive city for expats because it combines the convenience and vibrancy of major city living with a low cost of living. The city has a diverse and welcoming population with a rich cultural offering. Expats in Columbus can enjoy an affordable and active lifestyle with easy access to a variety of quality education and healthcare options. Expats in Columbus can also take advantage of the plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities, such as world-class hiking, biking and kayaking, to explore the city's parks, lakes and rivers. Furthermore, Columbus is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, with plenty of opportunities to build a career and explore new opportunities. All of these reasons make Columbus, OH an attractive destination for expats looking to relocate," commented one expat living in Columbus, the United States.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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