Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC (629 Rentals)

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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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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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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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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 13

Columbia, SC Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

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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How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Learn How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit from the Renter University at AparmentHomeLiving.com.

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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

Columbia, South Carolina is a city filled with vibrant culture, enormous education, and profound history. It offers residents a warm escape from the Winter and easy ways to travel that range from solid public transit to three major interstate highways. Residents are able to enjoy dozens of festivals, concerts, and sporting events each year and can easily drive to nearby cities such as Savannah, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or even Atlanta. Best of all, living in Columbia apartments is a very affordable experience, allowing residents to experience big city life far cheaper than they can in other metropolitan areas.

What is the history of Columbia?

Columbia is a city with a rich history: it was voted as the state capital of South Carolina in 1786, and the prestigious South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina) was created fifteen years later to keep young people from having to go to England to pursue higher education. Much of the city was burned by General Sherman during the Civil War, but afterwards, the city flourished in both manufacturing and culture.

How is the weather in Columbia?

Columbia is known for its hot temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from 92 degrees Fahrenheit in July to lows of 34 degrees Fahrenheit in January. The weather is typically very sunny, with light breezes in the evening. The city experiences an annual rainfall of approximately forty-five inches, which helps to modulate the sunny heat.

How do I get around town?

While Columbia has a good public transportation system in the form of the Central Midlands Regions Transit Authority buses, the city itself is very spread out. Depending on how far you typically travel for work or recreation, having a car is advisable. You can also travel within the city via Amtrak trains. Flights are easily availably via the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, located in Lexington County, five miles southwest of Columbia.

What is the Columbia commute like?

Depending on your route, the commute in Columbia can be bad: TRIP estimates that average commuters lose 30 hours because of traffic congestion each year. This is due to bottlenecking around areas such as Saint Andrews Rd (exit 106 on Interstate 26). Two other major interstates are I-20 and I-77. Inside the city, many centers of art, dining, and shopping center around Main Street, College Street, and Gervais Street.

What are the local media outlets?

Columbia media outlets include sports radio station WNKT (107.5), alternative rock station WARQ (93.5), and the student-run University of South Carolina station WUSC (90.5). Location news stations include the NBC affiliate Channel 10 WIS, the CBS affiliate Channel 19 WLTX, the ABC affiliate Channel 25 WOLO, and the Fox affiliate Channel 5 WACH. The city’s major newspapers are The State, the Lexington Chronicle, and the Columbia Free Times Weekly.

Why live in Columbia, SC?

Columbia has the best of both worlds, offering you the major benefits of living in a big city while still retaining the very affordable cost of living that much of the South is known for. There is a diverse array of cultural and entertainment options, and seven distinct colleges, making it an ideal place to complete or enhance your education. The three interstate highways make it easy to either travel around town or to make a quick trip to places like Charlotte, Savannah, or Atlanta. And with plenty of options for affodable apartments in Columbia, finding a great place to live is a cinch.

What Columbia landmarks should I see?

Some of the landmarks Columbia is known for include the scenic and stately South Carolina Statehouse and the regal University of South Carolina campus. Sports aficionados are very familiar with Williams-Brice Stadium and the Colonial Life Arena, which also hosts concerts and other events. The Tunnel Vision Mural is an unforgettably surreal landmark, and the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in the entire country.

What is there to do around Columbia?

Many tourists come to the city to see the University of South Carolina Gamecocks play at the Colonial Life Arena. Locals also frequent the arena for its wide variety of concerts and other events throughout the year. Historically-minded tourists enjoy visiting the South Carolina State House, whose construction began back in 1851. Similarly, there are multiple 19th-century homes, including the governor’s mansion, that visitors can tour. Finally, locals often enjoy the culture of the Columbia Museum of Art.

Any annual festivals or Columbia events to know?

olumbia has many annual festivals, including the South Carolina State Fair which is held in October of every year. The Riverfest Celebration is held every Spring, complete with music, arts, crafts, food, and the 5K River Run. The Columbia International Festival is held earlier in Spring and showcases the cultural (including arts, music, and food) of the wide variety of nationalities, races, and cultures of those living in South Carolina.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

The aforementioned interstate highways make it easy for locals to vacation in cities such as Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach. This means that a diverse variety of city adventures are just a drive away. Closer to Columbia itself, locals can enjoy the festivals, rallies, and scenic beauty of Finlay Park.

Where is the best place to move in Columbia?

Columbia apartments downtown are more expensive, but mean you’ll live minutes away from the culture of USC and the bustling nightlife. Columbia apartments near Devine Street place you closer to boutique shopping and exciting new restaurants. Five Points is another area that can be more expensive, but is notable for being the city’s first shopping district. Like downtown, it is known for its nightlife as well as its own array of chic eateries and couture shopping venues. Those wishing for a quieter life closer to nature should consider further west in Columbia, whose metropolitan footprint includes Cayce, located close to the Congaree River.

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Columbia, SC

Ranked #3

Among cities in South Carolina 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!

Explore Columbia, SC Rentals by Map

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Columbia, SC Area Reviews

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Gwendolyn • 2+ years in Columbia

February 25, 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia

How much are Studio apartments in Columbia?

There are currently 107 Studio Apartments in Columbia with rent ranges from $571 to $1,933 with an average price of $1,268.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Columbia Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Columbia ranges from $752 to $2,531 with an average monthly rent of $1,277.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Columbia cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Columbia range from $779 to $4,140. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $1,468.

How expensive are Columbia Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 235 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Columbia on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $629 to $9,987 - averaging $1,671 for the location.

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

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How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips

Written by: Justin Habersaat

Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

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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.

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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!