Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC from $400 (178 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: 12/15/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Columbia, SC area range in price from $500 to $6,600 with an overall median price of $3,906. The three Columbia neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Knollwood at $845, Whitehall at $925, and Pine Valley at $875. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Columbia Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Knollwood$1,595$84536
Whitehall$1,624$92545
Pine Valley$1,625$87546
Southeast Columbia$1,653$1,1473
Riverside Forest$1,724$87544
St Andrews$1,750$875103
Harbison$1,795$92577
Eau Claire$1,802$50046
Belmont$1,845$95032
Cabb Island$1,845$50045

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
Broad View ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$835
Retreat at St. AndrewsA11BR,1BA$849
Colonial Pointe ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$849

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC

As of December 15, 2025 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $0.87 price per square foot The Raven 3 Bedroom Model at Quail Hollow Apartments in the in the Riverside Forest neighborhood starting from $1,215. 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.
Quail Hollow ApartmentsThe Raven 3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$0.87
Hub Columbia4x4 Oasis4BR,4BA$0.89
Sage Pointe2X2 1040-11182BR,2BA$0.94
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
Colonel Bluffs2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$0.95
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.

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 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 $799 at Park SC.

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 $799 at Aria Lake Carolina.

What is the most affordable Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at River Ridge and starts from $1,020.

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

decorative image for Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease article

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.

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.