Columbus has been ranked the seventh most livable metropolitan area in the United States, according to RentCafe’s annual review of U.S. cities.
The apartment search website, which also analyzes rental and housing trends nationwide, cited Columbus’s focus on wellness and a cost of living 5% below the national average as key factors in the city’s ranking. RentCafe described Columbus as ideal for “foodies who are looking for new culinary hotspots, in addition to employment opportunities.”
In determining rankings, RentCafe considered factors including population, housing data, average health, quality of life, socioeconomics, and location and community. Columbus made a significant leap from last year, when it did not place in the top 20.
Columbus ranked 11th in the location and community category and 14th for quality of life. RentCafe highlighted the city’s farm-to-table food initiatives, extensive sports facilities, and numerous public hiking trails.
The Columbus area features more than 20 Metro Parks, offering more than 200 miles of free trails. Notable attractions include bison at Battelle Darby Creek, Clear Creek’s status as the largest nature preserve in Ohio, and the world’s largest outdoor climbing wall at Scioto Audubon.
RentCafe also recognized Columbus’s employment opportunities in education, technology, and finance. The city is considered an emerging market for technology companies, with major investments from firms such as Intel and Anduril expected to create several thousand specialized jobs.
Columbus’s highest category ranking was in location and community, with four arts, entertainment, and recreation venues per 10,000 residents. A July 2025 economic impact study found the city’s music industry generates $1.3 billion annually.
Columbus is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and four professional sports teams: the Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer), Columbus Clippers (minor league baseball), Columbus Blue Jackets (National Hockey League), and Columbus Fury (Major League Volleyball).
Health statistics also contributed to the city’s ranking, with 94.9% of residents having access to exercise opportunities. The share of physically inactive residents is 17.3%, below the 18.2% average among the top 20 metro areas.
Columbus ranked 31st for socioeconomics, which was fifth among the top 10 cities, despite an 11.2% poverty rate and a mid-to-high income inequality ratio. The city continues to face challenges in affordable housing, though several projects are underway to address housing burdens.
With a population of 2.2 million, Columbus is the third-largest metro area among the top 10 and has the highest percentage of renters at 33%. The Midwest was well represented in RentCafe’s rankings, with Dayton, Ohio, ranked 26th nationwide.
Top 20 Most Livable Metro Areas in the U.S., According to RentCafe:
1. Washington, D.C.
2. Portland, Maine
3. Kansas City, Missouri
4. Des Moines, Iowa
5. Ann Arbor, Michigan
6. Albany, New York
7. Columbus, Ohio
8. Asheville, North Carolina
9. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
10. Boise City, Idaho
11. Indianapolis, Indiana
12. Fort Collins, Colorado
13. Seattle, Washington
14. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
15. Manchester, New Hampshire
16. Minneapolis, Minnesota
17. Wilmington, North Carolina
18. Baltimore, Maryland
19. Spokane, Washington
20. Colorado Springs, Colorado