Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MO from $300 (78 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Columbia.

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.

property at 1813 Sunrise Dr

$900 - $1,300

1 To 3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Aug 14

1813 Sunrise Dr

ColumbiaMO65201

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.

property at 1107 E Walnut St

$950 - $1,200

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Aug 15

1107 E Walnut St

ColumbiaMO65201
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Woodlake
Rent Specials
$961 - $1,305
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$953 - $1,297
Required Monthly Fees
$8

Total Monthly Price
$961 - $1,305
2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Woodlake

2609 Eastwood DrColumbia, MO 65202
Affordability
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
property at 108 E Burnam Rd

$995 - $1,700

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Aug 9

108 E Burnam Rd

ColumbiaMO65203
property at 110 Dorsey St

$1,000

2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

110 Dorsey St

ColumbiaMO65201

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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Forest Village
Rent Specials
$1,004 - $1,844
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$996 - $1,836
Required Monthly Fees
$8

Total Monthly Price
$1,004 - $1,844
2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Forest Village

3001 S Providence RdColumbia, MO 65203
Pet Friendly
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Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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.

Columbia, MO Local Guide

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Written By:
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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Columbia, MO

Pricing Updated: 02/11/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Columbia, MO area range in price from $605 to $4,000 with an overall median price of $2,600. The three Columbia neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Tiger Village Apartments at $695, The Links of Columbia at $605, and Mexico Gravel at $800. Here is today’s list of the top 8 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Columbia Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Tiger Village Apartments$1,431$69560
The Links of Columbia$1,500$60541
Mexico Gravel$1,775$80026
Auburn Hills$1,850$70012
Broadway Farms$2,250$69557
Downtown Columbia$4,000$65042
Old Shoe Factory District$4,000$65024
Tenth Hitt Elm Locust$4,000$60539

Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, MO is a 2 Beds unit found at Claudell Homes I & II in the Tiger Village Apartments neighborhood priced from $380. Grindstone at Columbia has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $800. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Claudell Homes I & IIClaudell Two Bedroom (Affordable - Income Guidelin2BR,1BA$380
Grindstone at Columbia2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$800
The Links at ColumbiaClassic Deluxe II1BR,1BA$800
Broadway ApartmentsThe Hayes1BR,1BA$850
Stadium ApartmentsThe Greenbriar2BR,1BA$900
Tiger VillageOne Bedroom One Bath Renovated1BR,1BA$931
Heather Ridge2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1BA$969
Courtyard Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$986
Library Place Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1,000

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MO

As of February 11, 2026 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $0.75 price per square foot 4BR/2.5BA Model at The Falls of Columbia in the starting from $1,499. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the 4BR/2.5BA Model at Cross Creek Villas starting at $1,799 with a $0.90 price per square foot in the Auburn Hills neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Columbia apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
The Falls of Columbia4BR/2.5BA4BR,2.5BA$0.75
Cross Creek Villas4BR/2.5BA4BR,2.5BA$0.90
5-Rolling Rock Apartments4BR/3.0BA4BR,3BA$0.93
Four Winds ApartmentsThe Breeze3BR,2BA$0.97
The DenD24BR,4BA$0.46
The Hill3 Bed 2 Bath Apartment3BR,2BA$1.00
Grayson at Columbia2BR/2.5BA - 22F2BR,2.5BA$0.77
Campus Lodge4x44BR,4BA$0.55
Grindstone at Columbia2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.77
The Lyfe @ Missouri2x22BR,2BA$0.83

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.

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Cash 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.

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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.

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Columbia Overview

Apartments in Columbia, MO are plentiful and all of them have their own personality. Your preferences are sure to align perfectly with one of them. If you’re looking for a city that’s teeming with ethnic diversity, you’ll love Columbia. It’s the perfect example of a melting pot at its finest. This southern city will offer you a wonderful place to call home.

Why live in Columbia, MO?

Several qualities make Columbia a unique and desirable city. Since there aren't any large cities too close by, it'll be easy to get away when that is needed. If you wind up wanting more city than you have, by traveling several hours east, you can visit the sprawling city of St. Louis. Columbia makes a wonderful retreat from harsh winters of the North and boasts numerous examples of natural beauty. The mighty Missouri River can be reached by a short drive to the southwest.

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Columbia, MO

Ranked #5

Among cities in Missouri for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Columbia, MO Area Reviews

    Unknown4+ years in Columbia

    April 14, 2025

    The prices that the landlords have raised rent to is absolutely INSANE in this town. For places not even updated it really makes this town look like it's ran by a bunch of slum lords just collecting that high rent check and taking full advantage of people that have no other choice but to rent. This is embarrassing. There needs to be laws put in place on year make and model of place so people aren't being taken full advantage of...This is awful and any landlord out there knows they are so wrong for doing people like this PERIOD!

    Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Columbia Apartments

    What is the price of a cheap apartment in Columbia?

    The cheapest apartment in Columbia is Ash Street Place Apartments which is listed at $705, while the average apartment in Columbia costs $2,600.

    What types of apartments are the cheapest in Columbia?

    Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 62 regular apartments in Columbia that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

    How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Columbia?

    Cheap apartments in Columbia have an average cost of $372 which is $2,228 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Columbia.

    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 Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

    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.

    decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

    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.

    decorative image for A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

    A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

    Written by: Bob Mallory

    Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

    decorative image for Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease article

    Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

    Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

    Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.