
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, IL from $600 (33 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Columbia.


Edelweiss Apartments

Evergreen Manor

Cottonwood Village

1009 Ernest St

Chapel View Apartments

229 W Steins St

Taravue Park Apartments
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.

The Vineyards

Oakbrook Gardens

Jefferson Townhomes

5820 S Grand Blvd

Telegraph Crossing

Kingston Apartments

Covington Place Apartments

Black Forest Apartments
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Tuscany Village Apartments

The Oaks Apartments

Southfield Apartments

Concord Place Apartments

7201 Gravois Avenue

Grant's Trail

117 S 4th St

Sylvan Springs Senior
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

Maryville Gardens Apartments

516 Eiler St

5820 South Grand

318 Levin Dr

1227 Williams St

4528 Nebraska Apartments LLC

7500 Morganford Rd

101 W 5th St
St. Louis Living: Your Local Expert's Guide to Neighborhoods and Renting
Moving to St. Louis? Get the ultimate insider's guide to the city's neighborhoods, from the historic CWE to residential Shaw. Find your perfect apartment and settle in like a local.

6443 Idaho Ave
Columbia, IL Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Columbia?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Studio Apartments | $801 | $695 | $849 |
| Columbia 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,074 | $695 | $2,049 |
| Columbia 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,277 | $795 | $2,139 |
| Columbia 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,514 | $1,130 | $1,801 |
Browse Top Apartments in Columbia
See all Apartments in ColumbiaExplore Columbia
Columbia, IL Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent and Nearby
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, IL is a 1 Bed unit found at Cottonwood Village in the Marina Villa neighborhood priced from $695. Chapel View Apartments in the Dutchtown neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $750. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood Village | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $695 |
| Chapel View Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $750 |
| 229 W Steins St | 1 bed | 1BR,1BA | $765 |
| Jefferson Townhomes | One Bedroom Garden | 1BR,1BA | $795 |
| 5820 S Grand Blvd | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $800 |
| Telegraph Crossing | One Bedroom Standard | 1BR,1BA | $845 |
| Kingston Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $849 |
| Taravue Park Apartments | Catskill | 1BR,1BA | $870 |
| Covington Place Apartments | 1 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $894 |
| Black Forest Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $901 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, IL and Nearby
As of April 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $1.24 price per square foot B9 Model at Lyon Apartments in the in the Princeton Heights neighborhood starting from $1,276. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the 2 bedroom Model at 5820 S Grand Blvd starting at $800 with a $0.80 price per square foot in the Princeton Heights neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Columbia apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon Apartments | B9 | 2BR,2BA | $1.24 |
| 5820 S Grand Blvd | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $0.80 |
| 4528 Nebraska Apartments LLC | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.15 |
| Parkshire Apartments | Willmore | 2BR,1BA | $1.17 |
| 6010 S Kingshighway Blvd | 2BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.14 |
| Greenway Trail Apartments | Save up to $500 off Move In Costs with your EXC... | 1BR,1BA | $1.27 |
| Concord Place Apartments | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.33 |
| 229 W Steins St | 1 bed | 1BR,1BA | $1.09 |
| Jefferson Townhomes | One Bedroom Garden | 1BR,1BA | $1.30 |
| Cottonwood Village | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.24 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon'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 ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.
Read ArticleLocal Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in St. Louis
A Local Experts guide to the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods Near Colleges in the St. Louis, MO metro area for affordable living. Find your perfect Student apartment, condo, or rental home today at apartmenthomeliving.com
Read ArticleQuick 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.
Best Local Schools in Columbia, IL
Parkview Elementary School
Columbia High School
Columbia Middle School
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Columbia, IL Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Columbia, IL
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Columbia Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Columbia?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Columbia is at Chapel View Apartments listed at $750.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbia Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbia Apartment is $695 at Cottonwood Village.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Columbia Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Columbia is starting from $795 at Cottonwood Village.
What is the most affordable Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Jefferson Townhomes and starts from $1,180.
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.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

A Local Expert’s Guide To the 10 Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in St. Louis
Written by: Taryn Shorr-Mckee
I’m Taryn, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com team Local Expert for St. Louis, Missouri. Nicknamed “a city of neighborhoods,” St. Louis has nearly 80 distinct communities, each with unique characteristics setting it apart from others.

Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in St. Louis
Written by: Taryn Shorr-Mckee
Finding the right neighborhood to rent near your St. Louis college or university isn’t just about convenience.

St. Louis Living: Your Local Experts Guide to Neighborhoods and Renting
Written by: Taryn Shorr-Mckee
St. Louis is a historic city of neighborhoods — nearly 80 of them — each with its own personality, rhythm, and everyday comforts.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.