Living well without going broke
Real reviews • Real prices • Real value • Zero corporate BS
Eat like you have taste buds, not like you have a trust fund
85 restaurants across Columbus where you can get a filling meal for under $12. From Buckeye Donuts' 24/7 hangover cure to Dirty Frank's gourmet hot dogs, we've eaten at every place on this list multiple times.
Featured neighborhoods: Campus/OSU, Short North, Downtown, German Village, Clintonville, and more.
The best 4-7pm deals that actually fill you up. $5 margaritas at Condado, half-price pizzas at Forno, and $3 beer specials that don't taste like regret.
We tell you when the portions suck, when "student discounts" are fake, and which places judge you for ordering water. Our "Broke Person's Take" sections give you the real deal on every restaurant.
Find a place you can actually afford in Columbus
Average 1BR rent: $1,152/month. But we'll show you neighborhoods where you can find decent places for $681-737/month in areas like Old North Columbus and Iuka Ravine.
First month + security deposit + application fees + utilities = $1,500-5,000 upfront. We break down every hidden cost so you can actually budget for moving.
Know the law on security deposits, illegal lease terms, and landlord tricks. We include contact info for Legal Aid Society and tenant advocacy resources.
Getting around Columbus without going broke
COTA 31-day pass: $62/month
Car ownership: $545-1,025/month (payment, insurance, gas, maintenance)
We break down when each option makes sense based on where you live and work.
600+ bikes, 80+ stations covering downtown, Short North, Campus, and Clintonville. $15 day pass or $96/month unlimited.
If you need a car: 3-7 year old Honda/Toyota with 50K-100K miles. Credit union financing beats dealer rates. Get a pre-purchase inspection for $100-150.
Have fun without maxing out your credit card
Columbus Museum of Art (FREE Sundays), all Metro Parks (20 locations), Scioto Mile riverwalk, and the world's only topiary park. Plus free outdoor movies and fitness classes.
Columbus library card = free admission to 15+ attractions including Franklin Park Conservatory, COSI, and Columbus Zoo. This alone saves hundreds per year.
ComFest (June), Red White & BOOM! (July), Dublin Irish Festival (August), Festival Latino, and dozens of neighborhood festivals. Food, music, and entertainment at zero cost.
Quality services that won't drain your bank account
Columbus Public Health clinics offer sliding scale payments. OSU Student Health for enrolled students. Free/low-cost health screenings at community events.
Valvoline Instant Oil Change: $25-55. We recommend honest independent shops over chain upsellers. Always get second opinions on repairs over $300.
Legal Aid Society of Columbus provides FREE legal help for income-qualified residents. Housing, family law, consumer protection.