Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Charleston Neighborhood of Charleston, SC from $818 (65 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Charleston area of Charleston.

close
View Me
119 Smith St
$1,500 - $2,000

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$1,500 - $2,000

Total Monthly Price$1,500 - $2,000
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

119 Smith St

119 Smith StCharleston, SC 29403
Affordability
  • Smoke Free

Charleston's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Charleston and the best places to live with original content written by our Charleston, SC Local Expert Vicki Shivers

close
View Me
35 Folly Apartments
Rent Specials
$1,767 - $3,026

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$1,767 - $3,026

Total Monthly Price$1,767 - $3,026
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

35 Folly Apartments

35 Folly Road BlvdCharleston, SC 29407
Pet Friendly
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

close
View Me
Atlantic on Romney
$1,923 - $4,128

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$1,923 - $4,128

Total Monthly PriceVaries
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Atlantic on Romney

55 Romney StCharleston, SC 29403
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
10 WestEdge
Rent Specials
$2,232 - $7,283

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,232 - $7,283

Total Monthly PriceVaries
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

10 WestEdge

10 Westedge StCharleston, SC 29403
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

property at 6 Trapman St
$2,250

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,250

Total Monthly Price$2,250
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

6 Trapman St, Unit C

6 Trapman St
CharlestonSC29401
property at 235 King St
$2,395 - $2,500
1 Bedroom Rentals
Available Now
Affordability

235 King St

CharlestonSC29401
close
View Me
19 Hampden Ct
3 Bedroom Apartments

19 Hampden Ct

19 Hampden CtCharleston, SC 29403
close
View Me
The Abbey
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Abbey

2 Percy StCharleston, SC 29403
close
View Me
Hampton West
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Hampton West

554 Rutledge AveCharleston, SC 29403
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

property at 201 Spring St
$1,550 - $3,000
1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals
Available Now

201 Spring St

CharlestonSC29403
close
View Me
1000 King Street
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1000 King Street

1000 King StCharleston, SC 29403
  • Utilities Included
property at 75 Society St
$1,899 - $2,549
1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals
Available Now
Affordability

75 Society St

CharlestonSC29401

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Downtown Charleston, Charleston, SC Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Charleston Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Charleston area of Charleston, SC is a 2 Beds unit found at Yugo Charleston Campus priced from $1,499. Meeting Street Lofts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,523. Here are the most affordable Downtown Charleston apartments for rent in Charleston, SC:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Yugo Charleston Campus2 Bed, 1 Bath Classic2BR,1BA$1,499
Meeting Street LoftsRosemanStudio,1BA$1,523
The MerchantAnsonStudio,1BA$1,749
The Rumney01A1BR,1BA$1,849
511 MeetingStudio CStudio,1BA$1,860
Element 29A02Studio,1BA$1,879
Atlantic on RomneyS1Studio,1BA$1,923
Madison StationA11BR,1BA$1,999
35 Folly Apartments35F-41BR,1BA$2,053

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Charleston, SC

As of September 07, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Charleston area is the $2.13 price per square foot Manor Home Model at 655 East Bay in the in the North Central neighborhood starting from $5,499. The second greatest value Downtown Charleston apartment is the 159 Alexander St Model at 159 Alexander St, Unit 159 Alexander Apt. B starting at $4,500 with a $2.50 price per square foot in the North Central neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Charleston apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
655 East BayManor Home3BR,2BA$2.13
159 Alexander St, Unit 159 Alexander Apt. B159 Alexander St4BR,2BA$2.50
16 Reid St16 Reid St3BR,1.5BA$2.54
123 Coming St, Unit C123 Coming St3BR,1BA$2.50
Hoffler PlaceD34BR,4BA$1.41
CarolineB22BR,2BA$2.84
19 Hampden Ct, Unit A19 Hampden Ct3BR,1BA$2.25
The Rumney01A1BR,1BA$2.43
119 Smith St119 Smith St1BR,1BA$2.31
Yugo Charleston Campus2 Bed, 1 Bath Classic2BR,1BA$2.54

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

Read Article
Decorative image

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

Read Article

Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

Read Article
Decorative image

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Lifestyle Ratings

This website is proud to bring you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, and customized analysis for Charleston, South Carolina. LifeStyle Ratings are a useful tool for comparing and sorting apartments and neighborhoods when choosing your rental home. This takes in many factors including filtering automatically for convenient access to the outdoors, luxury housing options, pet-friendly features, family-friendliness, proximity to transit, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Charleston Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown Charleston?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown Charleston is at Meeting Street Lofts listed at $1,523.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Charleston Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Charleston Apartment is $1,696 at Meeting Street Lofts.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown Charleston Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Charleston is starting from $1,499 at Yugo Charleston Campus.

What is the most affordable Downtown Charleston Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Downtown Charleston Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at 655 East Bay and starts from $5,499.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Top Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Charleston article

Top Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Charleston

Written by: Vicki Shivers

Hey, y’all, I'm Vicki, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Charleston, SC. I also happen to be a native Charlestonian who attended the College of Charleston back in the day.

decorative image for Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals   article

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My! article

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!

Written by: Robin Stewart

Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags   article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.