
Cheap Homes for Rent near Columbia, IL from $525 (6 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Columbia.


9964 Meadow Ave

8125 Michigan Ave
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.

205 Schirmer St

318 Levin Dr

7127 Alabama Ave
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.
Columbia, IL Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Columbia?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,145 | $850 | $1,500 |
| Columbia 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,365 | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| Columbia 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,877 | $1,320 | $2,250 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Columbia
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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 East St. Louis neighborhood priced from $695. Jefferson Townhomes in the Lemay neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $725. 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 |
| Jefferson Townhomes | One Bedroom Garden | 1BR,1BA | $725 |
| Chapel View Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $750 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, IL and Nearby
As of September 05, 2026 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $1.03 price per square foot 2BR/2.0BA Model at Lyon School Apartments in the in the Princeton Heights neighborhood starting from $1,517. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the 2BR/2.0BA Model at 4528 Nebraska starting at $1,195 with a $1.26 price per square foot in the Dutchtown 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 School Apartments | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.03 |
| 4528 Nebraska | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.26 |
| Storyboard on Main | Main B1 | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.26 |
| Southfield Apartments | 2Bd/1Ba | 2BR,1BA | $1.11 |
| Heatherbrook | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.37 |
| Covington Place Apartments | 2 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.05 |
| Canyon Creek | Hollow | 1BR,1BA | $1.40 |
| 7201 Gravois | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.36 |
| Jefferson Townhomes | One Bedroom Garden | 1BR,1BA | $1.19 |
| Cottonwood Village | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.24 |
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 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 ArticleNavigating 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 ArticleReal 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 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 Columbia
What type of rentals are currently available in Columbia?
There are currently 55 Apartments for Rent in Columbia, IL with pricing that ranges from $695 to $2,279. There are also 33 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Columbia ranging from $525 to $2,250.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Columbia?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Columbia ranges from $525 to $2,250 with an average monthly rent of $1,420.
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

St. Louis Living: Your Local Expert's 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.

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.

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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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.

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.

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.

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.