Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MO from $400 (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.

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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

213 N Ann St

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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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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Deerfield Apartments
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Deerfield Apartments

1516 Sylvan LnColumbia, MO 65202
  • Utilities Included

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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Columbia, MO Local Guide

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Columbia, MO

Pricing Updated: 11/02/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Columbia, MO area range in price from $625 to $3,000 with an overall median price of $2,068. The three Columbia neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Broadway Farms at $665, Tiger Village Apartments at $665, and Auburn Hills at $1,000. Here is today’s list of the top 8 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Columbia Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Broadway Farms$1,500$66532
Tiger Village Apartments$1,500$66539
Auburn Hills$1,532$1,00011
Mexico Gravel$1,565$80024
The Links of Columbia$2,050$62555
Downtown Columbia$2,800$62537
Old Shoe Factory District$2,800$62535
Tenth Hitt Elm Locust$2,800$62545

Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, MO is a 2 Beds unit found at Columbia Square Townhome Apartments in the Tiger Village Apartments neighborhood priced from $510. Grindstone at Columbia has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $740. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Columbia Square Townhome Apartments2x12BR,1BA$510
Grindstone at Columbia2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$740
The Links at ColumbiaClassic Deluxe II1BR,1BA$800
Columbia Crossing1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$858
WoodlakeW-A2BR,1BA$874
Tiger VillageOne Bedroom One Bath Renovated1BR,1BA$915
Heather Ridge2 bedroom2BR,1BA$943
Courtyard Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$957
Broadway ApartmentsThe Broadhurst2BR,1BA$995

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MO

As of November 03, 2025 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $0.90 price per square foot 4B 2.5B UP Model at CROSS CREEK VILLAS in the in the Auburn Hills neighborhood starting from $1,799. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the 4BR/3.0BA Model at 5-Rolling Rock Apartments starting at $1,695 with a $0.93 price per square foot in the Tenth Hitt Elm Locust 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.
CROSS CREEK VILLAS4B 2.5B UP4BR,2.5BA$0.90
5-Rolling Rock Apartments4BR/3.0BA4BR,3BA$0.93
Storyboard on HilltopHilltop C23BR,2BA$0.88
Four Winds ApartmentsThe Oakridge3BR,2BA$0.98
Grayson at Columbia2BR/2.5BA - 22F2BR,2.5BA$0.77
The Quarters ColumbiaD - 4x44BR,4BA$0.55
Grindstone at Columbia2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$0.71
The Lyfe @ Missouri2x22BR,2BA$0.77
The DenB22BR,2BA$0.86
Columbia Square Townhome Apartments2x12BR,1BA$0.61

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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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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The 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.

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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.

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

    What is the price of a cheap apartment in Columbia?

    The cheapest apartment in Columbia is The Links at Columbia which is listed at $800, while the average apartment in Columbia costs $2,068.

    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 42 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 $607 which is $1,461 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Columbia.

    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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    Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

    Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

    Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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    How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

    Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

    Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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    The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

    Written by: Trey Huguley

    The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

    decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

    Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

    Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

    For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.