If you’ve been searching for flexible housing options, you’ve probably come across the term “mid-term rental.” But what exactly does it mean, who is it best for, and how does it compare to short-term or long-term housing? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Mid-Term Rental?
A mid-term rental is a fully furnished apartment or home leased for 30 days or more, often extending to several months.
Here’s how it compares to other options:
- Short-Term Rentals – Usually booked by the night or week, like hotels or Airbnbs. Great for vacations or quick stays but often expensive and inconsistent.
- Mid-Term Rentals – Month-to-month flexibility. Designed for people who need temporary housing that feels like home without the commitment of a year-long lease.
- Long-Term Rentals – Standard leases of 12 months or more, typically unfurnished and requiring more upfront commitment.
Think of mid-term rentals as the “sweet spot”—long enough to provide comfort and stability, flexible enough to adapt to changing schedules.
Who Are Mid-Term Rentals Best Suited For?
Mid-term rentals are growing in popularity because they fit the needs of today’s mobile workforce and life transitions. They’re ideal for:
- Relocating professionals who need a place to stay while searching for a permanent home.
- Corporate travelers and consultants on multi-month projects. Learn more about our corporate housing here.
- Medical patients and families receiving treatment at hospitals like OSU Wexner or Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
- Homeowners in transition—those remodeling, building, or between homes.
- Graduate students or interns who need a stable base for a semester or temporary assignment.
If you need more than a week but less than a year, a mid-term rental in Columbus from a company like Epicurean Furnished Apartments is often the smartest choice.
What’s Typically Included in a Furnished Mid-Term Rental?
One of the biggest advantages of mid-term rentals is that they’re move-in ready. Instead of buying furniture or setting up utilities, everything is provided for you.
Most furnished mid-term rentals include:
- Furniture (living room, dining, bedroom sets, etc)
- A stocked kitchen with cookware, dishes, utensils, and appliances
- Linens, towels, and bedding
- Wi-Fi and smart TVs
- In-unit laundry
- Utilities (electric, water, internet) rolled into one monthly payment
At Epicurean, we go further by providing premium hotel-quality beds with Winkbeds mattresses and Frette linens, comfortable furniture from quality retailers like Arhaus and Pottery Barn, and countless thoughtful extras that make you feel at home.
For a full list of what’s included, check out How We Are Different.
How Much Do Mid-Term Rentals Cost Compared to Hotels or Airbnbs?
When comparing costs, mid-term rentals often come out ahead—especially for stays over 30 nights.
- Hotels: Even with extended stay discounts, hotels are often the least attractive and most expensive option for multi-month living. Quality varies widely, especially among hotels designed for extended stays. Limited space, no full kitchen, and cookie-cutter decor make it hard to feel at home.
- Airbnb/Vacation Rentals: Nightly pricing and service fees makes vacation rentals pricey for longer stays. Flexibility is also an issue for many as guests are required to commit upfront to the full length of stay. Quality can vary widely as many properties are operated by inexperienced or absentee hosts. Multi-month availability is tough to find since the high-quality rentals rarely have a wide open calendar with no bookings.
- Mid-Term Rentals: Typically priced between $2,500-$6,000/month in Columbus (depending on size and location). Rates are all-inclusive, flexible month-to-month terms come standard, and you get far more space and comfort than a hotel can offer.
In short, mid-term rentals provide a better balance of cost, space, and convenience than either hotels or vacation rentals.
The Bottom Line
Mid-term rentals are the perfect solution for professionals, families, and anyone needing a home-like space for one to six months. They offer the flexibility of short-term housing with the stability and value of a longer stay.
If you’re relocating, working on a project, or simply need a place to land for a few months in Columbus, Epicurean Furnished Apartments is here to help.
Check Availability Today and find the right mid-term rental for your needs.
