Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MO from $400 (59 Rentals)

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

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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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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property at 213 N Ann St

213 N Ann St

ColumbiaMO65201

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.

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Deerfield Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Deerfield Apartments

1516 Sylvan LnColumbia, MO 65202
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The View
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The View

2901 W Rollins RdColumbia, MO 65203
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100-104 E Stewart Rd
2 Bedroom Apartments

100-104 E Stewart Rd

100-104 E Stewart RdColumbia, MO 65203
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Spartan Pointe
3 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Spartan Pointe

2108 Battle AveColumbia, MO 65202

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.

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Sinclair Estates
2 Bedroom Apartments

Sinclair Estates

1985 W Southampton DrColumbia, MO 65203
Senior Living
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Wynwood Townhouses
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Wynwood Townhouses

4901 Aztec BlvdColumbia, MO 65202
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The Links at Columbia
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Links at Columbia

4803 Clark LnColumbia, MO 65202
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Stonegate Cottages
3 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Stonegate Cottages

201 West Blvd NColumbia, MO 65203
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KPO Properties
3 Bedroom Apartments

KPO Properties

1901-1903 Juniper CirColumbia, MO 65201
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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: 07/30/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Columbia, MO area range in price from $825 to $3,500 with an overall median price of $2,199. The three Columbia neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Mexico Gravel at $825, Auburn Hills at $1,195, and The Links of Columbia at $825. 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$1,425$8259
Auburn Hills$1,695$1,19514
The Links of Columbia$1,997$82538
Downtown Columbia$2,200$82531
Old Shoe Factory District$2,200$82538
Tenth Hitt Elm Locust$2,200$87535
Tiger Village Apartments$2,375$95011
Broadway Farms$3,500$9503

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. Grindstone Canyon has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $815. 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
Grindstone Canyon2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$815
Broadway ApartmentsThe Broadhurst2BR,1BA$925
Keeneland Downs ApartmentsSecretariat Floor Plan - 2 Bedrooms/1 Bath2BR,1BA$1,025
WoodlakeW-A2BR,1BA$1,046
Providence Court ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,200
Ashwood Apartments2x12BR,1BA$1,300
Lake Broadway TownhomesFurnished 2 Bedroom 2 Bath2BR,2BA$1,400
Wellington Manor3 BR W/ Garages3BR,2BA$1,500

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MO

As of July 30, 2025 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $0.92 price per square foot 4B 2.5B UP Model at CROSS CREEK VILLAS in the in the Auburn Hills neighborhood starting from $1,849. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the Hilltop C2 Model at Storyboard on Hilltop starting at $1,620 with a $0.90 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 VILLAS4B 2.5B UP4BR,2.5BA$0.92
Storyboard on HilltopHilltop C23BR,2BA$0.90
Manor HomesCambridge 3 Bed 2.5 Bath (2 Story)3BR,2.5BA$1.17
The Collective at ColumbiaThe Truman2BR,2.5BA$0.63
Wellington Manor3 BR W/ Garages3BR,2BA$1.09
Four Winds3 Bedroom TH3BR,2BA$1.28
Grayson Cottages2BR/2.5BA - 22F2BR,2.5BA$0.73
Lake Broadway TownhomesFurnished 2 Bedroom 2 Bath2BR,2BA$1.17
Grindstone Canyon2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.78
Broadway ApartmentsThe Broadhurst Renovated2BR,1BA$1.21

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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.

Columbia, MO
Population: 123,180

Ranked #225

in US Census Population by City

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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!

Explore Columbia, MO Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Columbia, MO

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Getting Around Columbia, MO

Walk Score®

40 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

44 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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 $510 at Columbia Square Townhome Apartments.

    What is the most affordable Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment?

    The best deal on a cheap Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Keeneland Downs Apartments and starts from $1,250.

    Expert Rental Resources

    Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

    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.

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    Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

    Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

    Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

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    Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

    Written by: Cheryl Bowman

    A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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

    Written by: Marie Brown

    You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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    Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

    Written by: Lauren Harrington

    Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.