Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC from $400 (185 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 4

Columbia, SC Local Guide

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

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Columbia, SC

Pricing Updated: 11/07/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Columbia, SC area range in price from $570 to $5,264 with an overall median price of $1,894. The three Columbia neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Belmont at $752, Lincolnshire at $805, and Arthurtown at $599. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Columbia Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Belmont$1,093$75220
Lincolnshire$1,093$80515
Arthurtown$1,325$599106
Cabb Island$1,336$75225
College Place$1,336$75225
Earlewood$1,358$752177
Eau Claire$1,358$75241
Laurel Hill$1,358$752212
Woodfield$1,363$79985
Harbison$1,385$571127

Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, SC is a 1 Bed unit found at Westwood Estates in the Springdale neighborhood priced from $775. Killian Terrace Apartments in the Spring Valley neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $789. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Westwood Estates1b1bs1BR,1BA$775
Killian Terrace Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$789
Park SC1 bed 1 bath A21BR,1BA$799
Aria Lake Carolina2 Bedrooms 2 Baths2BR,2BA$799
Autumn Ridge1 Bed 1 BathAutumn Ridge1BR,1BA$805
Colonel Bluffs1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$805
Cypress RunStudio | 1 BathStudio,1BA$820
Grove at St. AndrewsA11BR,1BA$824
Broad View ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$835
Colonial Pointe ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$849

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC

As of November 07, 2025 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $0.57 price per square foot Townhomes Model at Pulaski Square Townhomes in the in the Eva P. Trezevant neighborhood starting from $999. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the The Biltmore Model at Quail Run starting at $1,340 with a $0.86 price per square foot in the Deaswood 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.
Pulaski Square TownhomesTownhomes3BR,3BA$0.57
Quail RunThe Biltmore3BR,2BA$0.86
Hub Columbia4x4 Oasis4BR,4BA$0.89
Woodland Village Apartments2 Bed 2 BathWoodland Village Apartments2BR,2BA$0.91
Richland Terrace ApartmentsThe Columbia2BR,2BA$0.96
21 OaksD14BR,2BA$0.59
Elmtree Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$0.95
Pine Tree Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1BA$0.94
Aria Lake Carolina1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$0.92
3430 East Apartments2 Beds / 1 Bath2BR,1BA$0.99

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

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.

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

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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

Explore Columbia, SC Rentals by Map

Decorative image of map

See the most popular apartments and homes in Columbia, SC

View Map
Columbia, SC Apartments Map
View Map
Columbia, SC Rental Homes Map

Getting Around Columbia, SC

Walk Score®

45 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

38 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

17 / 100

Minimal Transit

It may be possible to get on a bus

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, SC Area Reviews

  • Parks
  • Entertainment
  • Local Vibes
  • Restaurants
  • Location
  • Traffic
  • Public Transportation
  • Outdoor Access
  • Cost of Living
  • Safety

Gwendolyn • 2+ years in Columbia

February 25, 2025

I found your advertisement online. Please get in touch with me.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Columbia Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Columbia?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Columbia is under $849.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Columbia?

The cheapest apartment in Columbia is Westwood Estates which is listed at $775, while the average apartment in Columbia costs $1,894.

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 1,509 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 $511 which is $1,383 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.

decorative image for Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know article

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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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

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.