Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MO from $400 (175 Rentals)

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

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.

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property at 108 Sieville Ave

$900 - $1,000

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

108 Sieville Ave

ColumbiaMO65203

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.

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property at 1804 Sunrise Dr

$950 - $1,250

1 To 3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Aug 14

1804 Sunrise Dr

ColumbiaMO65201

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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property at 109 E Stewart Rd

$950 - $1,950

2 To 3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

109 E Stewart Rd

ColumbiaMO65203

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.

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property at 213 N Ann St

$1,075 - $1,900

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

213 N Ann 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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Columbia, MO Local Guide

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Columbia, MO

Pricing Updated: 05/13/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Columbia, MO area range in price from $785 to $6,500 with an overall median price of $3,865. The three Columbia neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Mexico Gravel at $950, Auburn Hills at $1,200, and Broadway Farms at $1,995. Here is today’s list of the top 8 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Columbia Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Mexico Gravel$1,325$9501
Auburn Hills$1,495$1,20034
Broadway Farms$2,500$1,9953
Tiger Village Apartments$2,500$1,42518
The Links of Columbia$3,600$78546
Downtown Columbia$6,500$80031
Old Shoe Factory District$6,500$80033
Tenth Hitt Elm Locust$6,500$80035

Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, MO is a 1 Bed unit found at The Links at Columbia in the The Links of Columbia neighborhood priced from $800. Woodlake in the The Links of Columbia neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $861. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Links at ColumbiaClassic Deluxe II1BR,1BA$800
WoodlakeW-C2BR,1BA$861
Columbia Crossing1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$863
Tiger VillageOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$899
Rock Quarry VillageTwo Bedroom Townhome2BR,2BA$910
Broadway ApartmentsThe Hayes1BR,1BA$925
Courtyard Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$941
Heather Ridge2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1BA$968
Forest VillageFV-C2BR,1BA$1,025

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MO

As of May 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $0.87 price per square foot 3BR/2.5BA Model at Cross Creek Villas in the in the Auburn Hills neighborhood starting from $1,749. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the The Mizzou Model at The Row starting at $680 with a $0.38 price per square foot . 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.
Cross Creek Villas3BR/2.5BA3BR,2.5BA$0.87
The RowThe Mizzou4BR,3BA$0.38
River Birch ApartmentsRiver Birch West2BR,2.5BA$1.06
Collective at ColumbiaThe Truman2BR,2.5BA$0.68
Rock Quarry VillageThree Bedroom Townhome3BR,2BA$0.90
Grayson at Columbia2BR/2.5BA - 22F2BR,2.5BA$0.77
The Lyfe @ Missouri3x33BR,3BA$0.60
Campus Lodge4x44BR,4BA$0.53
Grindstone at Columbia2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.85
WoodlakeW-C2BR,1BA$1.14

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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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.

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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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Best Local Schools in
Columbia, MO

School data provided by Great Schools

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

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Columbia, MO Area Reviews

    Unknown • 4+ 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

    How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbia Apartment?

    The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbia Apartment is $800 at The Links at Columbia.

    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 $861 at Woodlake.

    What is the most affordable Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment?

    The best deal on a cheap Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Rock Quarry Village and starts from $1,200.

    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 A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

    A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

    Written by: Lauren Harrington

    I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

    decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

    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.

    decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

    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.

    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.