Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC from $300 (148 Rentals)

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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.

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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

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

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Columbia, SC

Pricing Updated: 01/01/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Columbia, SC area range in price from $571 to $9,379 with an overall median price of $1,840. The three Columbia neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Lincolnshire at $805, Eau Claire at $752, and Springdale at $900. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Columbia Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Lincolnshire$1,203$80528
Eau Claire$1,315$75261
Springdale$1,325$90045
Arthurtown$1,395$599101
Laurel Hill$1,400$752226
Harbison$1,417$571120
Byrneswood$1,450$752123
Far North Columbia$1,450$571291
Pine Valley$1,450$571188
Riverside Forest$1,450$571199

Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, SC is a 1 Bed unit found at Park SC in the Skyland Estates neighborhood priced from $799. 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
Park SC1 bed 1 bath A21BR,1BA$799
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
Colonial Pointe ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$849
Retreat at St. AndrewsA11BR,1BA$849
Broad View ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$850

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC

As of January 01, 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
Atrium PlaceDogwood3BR,2BA$0.88
Hunter's Green3 Beds, 2 baths3BR,2BA$0.98
21 OaksD14BR,2BA$0.59
Elmtree Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$0.95
Pine Grove Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,2BA$0.95
Deerfield Run Apartments2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$0.93
Aria Lake Carolina1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$0.92
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.

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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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 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 $850.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Columbia?

The cheapest apartment in Columbia is Park SC which is listed at $799, while the average apartment in Columbia costs $1,840.

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 2,124 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 $501 which is $1,339 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

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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!