
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC from $401 (225 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Columbia.


Addison Pointe

Acasa Prosper Fairways Apartments

Park SC

Cypress Run

Mill Run

Riverwalk Vista

Boulder Creek

Claire Tower

The Waterford Apartment Homes
Local Expert's Top 8: Affordable Columbia, SC Neighborhoods for Quality Living
Moving to Columbia, SC? Explore 8 affordable neighborhoods to rent that are known for strong schools, convenient shopping, and easy access to local natural highlights like Lake Murray.

Grove at St Andrews

The Villages at Congaree Pointe

Autumn Ridge

Aria Lake Carolina

3430 East Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Retreat at St. Andrews

Springtree Apartments

1004 Pine St, Unit A1

Atrium Place

Paces Run
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

Greenbrier

The Hollows

Wellington Farms Apartment Homes

Pine Tree Apartments

Garden Lakes Apartments

Colonel Bluffs

Bent Tree Apartments

Tanglewood Apartments

Brook Pines

Crestmont Apartments
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

Acasa Tropical Ridge

2815 Howell Ct

Arbor Landing Apartments

Colonial Pointe Apartments

Five Points Residential

Woodland Village Apartments

Retreat at Broad River

Reserve at River Walk

Richland Terrace Apartments

Elmwood Lofts
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

200 Arbor Dr, Unit C

1655 S Beltline Blvd

Landmark at Pine Court

Capri Apartments

Avenue at Harbison

The Landings at Forest Acres

Total Monthly Price
The Meadows at Burnside Farms

Killian Terrace Apartments

Regent Park Apartments

Waters At Berryhill
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.
Columbia, SC Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Columbia?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Columbia Studio Apartments | $1,332 | $401 | $2,410 |
| Cheap Columbia 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,365 | $675 | $2,603 |
| Cheap Columbia 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,534 | $450 | $3,696 |
| Cheap Columbia 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,667 | $649 | $5,057 |
| Cheap Columbia 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,827 | $460 | $5,287 |
Browse Top Apartments in Columbia
See all Apartments in ColumbiaExplore Columbia

Columbia, SC Local Guide

- Columbia Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Columbia, SC
Pricing Updated: 08/23/2026Current apartment rentals in the Columbia, SC area range in price from $401 to $5,287 with an overall median price of $1,444. The three Columbia neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Byrneswood at $1,050, Ryan Street Area at $1,080, and Riverside Forest at $1,100. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Columbia Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Byrneswood | $1,050 | $720 | 127 |
| Ryan Street Area | $1,080 | $720 | 139 |
| Riverside Forest | $1,100 | $401 | 225 |
| Pine Valley | $1,101 | $720 | 237 |
| Hyatt Park | $1,150 | $401 | 192 |
| Far North Columbia | $1,215 | $720 | 363 |
| North College Place | $1,235 | $870 | 39 |
| Springdale | $1,235 | $900 | 27 |
| College Place | $1,249 | $870 | 36 |
| Skyland Estates | $1,249 | $401 | 213 |
Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, SC is a Studio unit found at Siegel Select Columbia in the Skyland Estates neighborhood priced from $401. Broad View in the Skyland Estates neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $649. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siegel Select Columbia | Studio - Weekly Rate | Studio,1BA | $401 |
| Broad View | 0x1 | Studio,1BA | $649 |
| Springwood | 0x1 | Studio,1BA | $649 |
| 21 Oaks | D1 - Premium | 4BR,2BA | $680 |
| Acasa Prosper Fairways Apartments | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $721 |
| Park SC | 1 bed 1 bath A2 | 1BR,1BA | $775 |
| Mill Run | 1 x 1 Lexington | 1BR,1BA | $795 |
| Riverwalk Vista | 1x1 Studio | 1BR,1BA | $799 |
| Boulder Creek | A1-Congaree | 1BR,1BA | $799 |
| The Waterford Apartment Homes | One Bedroom- 500 sqft | 1BR,1BA | $807 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC
As of August 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $0.85 price per square foot The Biltmore Model at Quail Run in the in the Deaswood neighborhood starting from $1,315. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom Model at Redpoint Columbia starting at $749 with a $0.59 price per square foot in the Knollwood neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Columbia apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quail Run | The Biltmore | 3BR,2BA | $0.85 |
| Redpoint Columbia | 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $0.59 |
| Killian Terrace Apartments | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $0.90 |
| The Radley | 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH | 4BR,2BA | $0.38 |
| Benton Crossing | Three Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $0.95 |
| 21 Oaks | C1 | 3BR,3BA | $0.74 |
| Deerfield Run Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $0.95 |
| Woodland Village Apartments | 1 Bed 1 BathWoodland Village Apartments | 1BR,1BA | $0.94 |
| Aria Lake Carolina | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $0.89 |
| Siegel Select Columbia | Studio - Weekly Rate | Studio ,1BA | $0.89 |
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 ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
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 LifestyleColumbia, SC
Ranked #3
Among cities in South Carolina for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Columbia, SC Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Area Reviews
Kama • 2+ years in Columbia
December 15, 2025Great for young professionals and families. We love Segra Park, the Harbison walking trails, and Lake Murray.
Gwendolyn • 2+ years in Columbia
February 25, 2025I 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 $807.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Columbia?
The cheapest apartment in Columbia is Acasa Prosper Fairways Apartments which is listed at $721, while the average apartment in Columbia costs $1,444.
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 1,873 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 $478 which is $966 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in 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

Local Expert's Top 8: Affordable Columbia, SC Neighborhoods for Quality Living
Written by: Kama Offenberger
I'm Kama, the ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Columbia, South Carolina.

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.