Travel Nurse Housing in Columbus, Ohio: Complete Guide

Columbus is the capital and largest city in Ohio, with a growing economy driven by education, healthcare, and technology. Home to The Ohio State University, Columbus offers travel nurses a strong and diverse healthcare market, a surprisingly vibrant urban core, and a cost of living that provides excellent value.

Columbus has a robust healthcare ecosystem anchored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, one of the largest academic medical centers in the country. OhioHealth, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Mount Carmel Health System round out the major employers, creating steady demand for travel nurses.

Whether you are heading to Columbus for your first travel nursing assignment or returning for another contract, this guide will help you navigate the housing market, understand what to expect from local costs, and find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Columbus has a lot to offer travel nurses, and a little planning goes a long way toward making your assignment a success.

Major Hospitals and Health Systems

Columbus is home to several major hospitals and health systems that consistently hire travel nurses across a wide range of specialties. Knowing which facilities are in the area helps you plan your housing search around commute times and gives you a sense of where demand is concentrated.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — A massive academic medical center and the largest hospital system in central Ohio. Wexner is nationally ranked in multiple specialties and offers travel nurses a premier academic environment with cutting-edge facilities.

OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital — The flagship of the OhioHealth system, this large hospital on the north side of Columbus is a Level I trauma center known for its cardiac, neuroscience, and emergency programs.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital — One of the largest and most respected pediatric hospitals in the nation, consistently ranked among the top ten children’s hospitals in the country. Pediatric travel nurses find exceptional experience here.

Mount Carmel West — Part of the Mount Carmel Health System, this hospital in the Franklinton neighborhood serves a diverse patient population and offers travel nurses a community hospital experience.

Travel nurse demand in Columbus is generally strong, with ICU, ED, med-surg, and pediatric specialties being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter flu season and Ohio State football season when the city’s population swells. If you are flexible on specialty or shift, you will have even more options to choose from in this market.

Best Neighborhoods for Travel Nurses

Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will make during your Columbus assignment. Where you live affects your commute, your safety, your access to amenities, and ultimately your quality of life for the duration of your contract. Here are the top neighborhoods that travel nurses should consider when searching for housing in Columbus.

Short North Arts District

Columbus’s trendiest neighborhood, running along High Street north of downtown. The Short North features independent galleries, restaurants, bars, and boutiques in a highly walkable setting.

Pros: Extremely walkable, vibrant arts and dining scene, close to downtown and Ohio State campus, monthly Gallery Hop events

Cons: Higher rents for Columbus, noisy on weekends, limited parking on High Street

German Village

A beautifully restored historic neighborhood south of downtown with brick streets, charming brick homes, and Schiller Park. German Village offers a unique residential experience with easy access to downtown hospitals.

Pros: Beautiful historic architecture, charming brick streets, Schiller Park, walkable to Book Loft and local restaurants, close to downtown

Cons: Higher rents, limited parking, older housing stock may lack modern amenities

Grandview Heights

A small municipality adjacent to Columbus with a walkable main street along Grandview Avenue featuring restaurants, shops, and a movie theater. It is popular with young professionals and healthcare workers.

Pros: Walkable main street, community feel, close to OhioHealth campuses, safe and well-maintained

Cons: Higher rents for the area, limited furnished options, small geographic footprint

University District

The neighborhoods around Ohio State University offer affordable housing and quick access to the Wexner Medical Center. The area has the energy of a college town with diverse dining and entertainment.

Pros: Very affordable rents, walking or biking distance to Wexner Medical Center, diverse food options, active nightlife on High Street

Cons: College-town noise especially during football season, some blocks have safety concerns, quality of housing stock varies

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Columbus is car-dependent with a limited bus system operated by COTA. The city is relatively compact compared to sprawling Sun Belt cities, and most commutes within the I-270 outerbelt take 15 to 25 minutes. Traffic is manageable by major city standards. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Columbus through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Columbus are roughly in line with the national average. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for rental housing in the area. Keep in mind that prices vary by neighborhood, season, and the specific amenities included with the unit.

Studio apartment: $800 to $1,200 per month
One-bedroom apartment: $950 to $1,500 per month
Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,200 to $1,900 per month

Columbus offers excellent value for travel nurse housing. The market has a good supply of furnished apartments and rooms, and your stipend should comfortably cover housing in most neighborhoods. The Short North and German Village areas are popular but command higher rents.

Many travel nurses in Columbus find their housing through Furnished Finder , which connects healthcare travelers with landlords who specifically offer furnished, short-term rentals designed for assignment-length stays. It is one of the most widely used housing platforms in the travel nursing industry and an excellent starting point for your search. You can also explore local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and extended-stay hotels to compare your options and find the best fit for your budget and preferences.

GSA Stipend Rate

The General Services Administration publishes per diem rates that many travel nursing agencies use as a baseline for calculating housing and meals and incidentals stipends. The GSA rate for the Columbus, OH area varies by time of year, with higher rates typically applying during peak travel seasons and lower rates during off-peak months.

It is essential to check the current GSA per diem rate for your specific assignment dates and location, as rates are updated annually each October and can change significantly from year to year. You can look up the exact rate on the GSA website or ask your recruiter for the figures they are using to calculate your pay package. Keep in mind that your actual stipend may differ from the published GSA rate depending on your agency’s internal pay structure and policies.

Understanding how your stipend fits into your total compensation is key to evaluating any travel nursing contract. For help breaking down the numbers, use our pay calculator to compare packages side by side and see your estimated take-home pay after taxes, stipends, and deductions.

Housing Tips for Columbus

Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Columbus that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.

Ohio State football dominates the city — On game days from September through November, Columbus transforms. Traffic, parking, and even restaurant availability are impacted by Ohio State football. If you live near campus, be prepared for game day chaos.
Winter weather preparation — Columbus winters are cold with regular snow and ice from December through March. Budget for a warm coat, snow boots, and potentially a snow scraper and de-icer for your car.
The city is growing rapidly — Columbus has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, which means new neighborhoods, restaurants, and amenities are constantly opening. The city has more energy and opportunity than many people expect.
Moderate cost of living advantage — Ohio has a state income tax, but Columbus’s moderate cost of living and relatively affordable housing make it a strong market for saving money on assignment.

For a comprehensive overview of the housing search process from start to finish, including how to spot scams and negotiate lease terms, check out our complete travel nurse housing guide. It covers everything you need to know regardless of which city you are heading to.

Cost of Living Overview

Columbus has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average. Groceries are at or slightly below national norms. Gas prices are moderate. Dining out is very affordable, with an impressive food scene that punches well above its weight for a Midwest city. Housing costs are the primary variable, with central neighborhoods commanding higher rents than suburbs.

When budgeting for your Columbus assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Explore Columbus’s growing food scene, particularly the diverse options along North High Street, in the North Market, and the ethnic restaurants in Clintonville and on Morse Road. Kroger and Aldi are the main grocery options for budget-conscious shopping. Tracking your spending during the first two weeks of your assignment will give you a realistic picture of your monthly costs and help you adjust your budget accordingly.

Things to Do on Days Off

One of the greatest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore a new city on your days off. Columbus has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

North Market — Columbus’s historic public market featuring over 30 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to prepared foods, artisan goods, and international cuisine.
Scioto Mile and Riverfront — A beautiful riverfront park system downtown with walking paths, fountains, and views of the Columbus skyline. The adjacent Scioto Audubon Metro Park offers rock climbing and birding trails.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium — One of the top-rated zoos in the country, located in nearby Powell. It features an excellent collection of animals and seasonal events throughout the year.
Hocking Hills State Park — About an hour southeast of Columbus, Hocking Hills offers stunning waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails. Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave are must-see destinations for outdoor lovers.

Take full advantage of your time in Columbus. Exploring the local culture, trying restaurants you have never heard of, and visiting nearby attractions are what make travel nursing more than just a paycheck. Many travel nurses find that their days off are when they truly fall in love with a new city.

Final Thoughts

Columbus, Ohio offers travel nurses a growing and vibrant healthcare market with an impressive food scene, affordable living, and major academic medical centers that provide outstanding clinical experience. With Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a average cost of living, it is a market well worth considering whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran looking for your next destination.

Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before your assignment start date. The best furnished rentals tend to go quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods near major hospitals. Furnished Finder is an excellent resource for finding travel nurse housing in Columbus, and joining local travel nurse social media groups can give you insider tips and real-time availability updates.

For more resources on finding and securing great travel nurse housing anywhere in the country, explore our complete housing guide. And when you are comparing pay packages for Columbus assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

We wish you the best on your Columbus assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.