Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC from $300 (150 Rentals)

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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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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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Columbia, SC Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Columbia, SC

Pricing Updated: 01/09/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Columbia, SC area range in price from $500 to $6,250 with an overall median price of $3,958. The three Columbia neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Eau Claire at $500, Ryan Street Area at $795, and College Place at $500. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Columbia Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Eau Claire$1,652$50035
Ryan Street Area$1,652$79536
College Place$1,677$50037
Pine Valley$1,692$70029
Whitehall$1,695$92526
Cabb Island$1,710$50037
Byrneswood$1,745$79532
Riverside Forest$1,745$70028
Knollwood$1,875$84525
Skyland Estates$1,925$85039

Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, SC is a 2 Beds unit found at Benton Crossing in the Eau Claire neighborhood priced from $397. Aria Lake Carolina in the The Summit neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $799. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Benton CrossingTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$397
Aria Lake Carolina2 Bedrooms 2 Baths2BR,2BA$799
Mill Run ApartmentsThe Lexington1BR,1BA$801
Pine Tree Apartments1 Bedroom - 1Bathroom - Waitlist Only1BR,1BA$805
Autumn Ridge1 Bed 1 BathAutumn Ridge1BR,1BA$805
Cypress RunStudio | 1 BathStudio,1BA$820
Grove at St. AndrewsA11BR,1BA$824
Broad View ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$835
Colonial Pointe ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$849
Retreat at St. AndrewsA11BR,1BA$849

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC

As of January 10, 2026 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $0.94 price per square foot 3 Bed 2.5 Bath (TH)Woodland Village Apartments Model at Woodland Village Apartments in the in the Irmo neighborhood starting from $1,500. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the 4x4 Oasis Model at Hub Columbia starting at $1,249 with a $0.89 price per square foot in the Waverly 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.
Woodland Village Apartments3 Bed 2.5 Bath (TH)Woodland Village Apartments3BR,2.5BA$0.94
Hub Columbia4x4 Oasis4BR,4BA$0.89
Quail Hollow ApartmentsThe Cardinal 2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$0.90
21 OaksD14BR,2BA$0.59
Pine Grove Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,2BA$0.95
Deerfield Run Apartments2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$0.93
Killian Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$0.94
Aria Lake Carolina1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$0.92
Benton CrossingTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.44
Pine Tree Apartments1 Bedroom - 1Bathroom - Waitlist Only1BR,1BA$0.95

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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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.

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.

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

Explore Columbia, SC Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Columbia, SC

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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 Cheap Columbia Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Columbia?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Columbia is at Cypress Run listed at $820.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbia Apartment is $801 at Mill Run Apartments.

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 $397 at Benton Crossing.

What is the most affordable Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Ovation @3500 and starts from $1,080.

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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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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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!