Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Columbia Neighborhood of Columbia, MO from $400 (67 Rentals)

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

property at 1618 Anthony St

$825 - $1,200

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Aug 1

1618 Anthony St

ColumbiaMO65201

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 109 E Stewart Rd

$950 - $1,950

2 To 3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

109 E Stewart Rd

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 213 N Ann St

$1,075 - $1,900

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

213 N Ann St

ColumbiaMO65201
property at 400 Mimosa Ct

$1,100 - $1,350

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Aug 1

400 Mimosa Ct

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.

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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
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100-104 E Stewart Rd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

100-104 E Stewart Rd

100-104 E Stewart RdColumbia, MO 65203
  • Utilities Included
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Montmartre Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Montmartre Apartments

104 Clinkscales RdColumbia, MO 65203
  • 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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Downtown Columbia, Columbia, MO Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Columbia area of Columbia, MO is a 1 Bed unit found at Columbia Crossing priced from $892. Library Place Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,000. Here are the most affordable Downtown Columbia apartments for rent in Columbia, MO:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Columbia Crossing1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$892
Library Place Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1,000
Parkway ApartmentsTier 32BR,1BA$1,025
Kitty Hawk ApartmentsModel2BR,2BA$1,195
Broadway Village ApartmentsHawthorn, TIER 2, Carport, 2x1, 950 sqft2BR,1BA$1,270
Stephens Park ApartmentsPremium Two Bedroom Apartment Home2BR,1BA$1,400
Boulder Springs ColumbiaAspen Creek1BR,1BA$1,437
Ashwood Apartments2x12BR,1BA$1,450
408 Circus Ave3 Beds, 2.5 baths3BR,2BA$1,450
Columbia Square ApartmentsColumbia Square Two Bedroom (Affordable - Income G2BR,1BA$1,500

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Columbia, MO

As of April 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Columbia area is the $1.10 price per square foot 3BR/2.0BA Model at Manor Homes in the in the The Links of Columbia neighborhood starting from $1,650. The second greatest value Downtown Columbia apartment is the 3 Beds, 2.5 baths Model at 408 Circus Ave starting at $1,450 with a $0.98 price per square foot in the Tiger Village Apartments neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Columbia apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Manor Homes3BR/2.0BA3BR,2BA$1.10
408 Circus Ave3 Beds, 2.5 baths3BR,2.5BA$0.98
Lake Broadway TownhomesFurnished 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Townhome2BR,2BA$1.29
Kitty Hawk ApartmentsModel2BR,2BA$1.15
Broadway Village ApartmentsHawthorn, TIER 2, Carport, 2x1, 950 sqft2BR,1BA$1.34
Stephens Park ApartmentsPremium Two Bedroom Apartment Home2BR,1BA$1.56
Ashwood Apartments2x12BR,1BA$1.67
Library Place Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1.25
Parkway ApartmentsTier 32BR,1BA$1.43
Columbia Crossing1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.31

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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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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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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Best Local Schools in
Downtown Columbia, Columbia, MO

School data provided by Great Schools

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Columbia Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Columbia?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Columbia is Columbia Crossing which is listed at $892, while the average apartment in Downtown Columbia costs $1,837.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 8 regular apartments in Downtown 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 Downtown Columbia?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Columbia have an average cost of $409 which is $1,428 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown 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 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.

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.