Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC from $400 with Cable Ready Options (77 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Columbia.

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Grove at St. Andrews
$824 - $1,008
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$701 - $885
Required Monthly Fees
$123

Total Monthly Price
$824 - $1,008
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Grove at St. Andrews

716 Zimalcrest DrColumbia, SC 29210
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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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3430 East Apartments
Rent Specials
$849 - $1,299
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$839 - $1,289
Required Monthly Fees
$10

Total Monthly Price
$849 - $1,299
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

3430 East Apartments

3430 Kay StColumbia, SC 29210
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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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Springtree Apartments
$880 - $1,155
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$865 - $1,140
Required Monthly Fees
$15

Total Monthly Price
$880 - $1,155
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Springtree Apartments

250 Springtree DrColumbia, SC 29223
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

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Hampton Courts
$994 - $1,675
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$989 - $1,670
Required Monthly Fees
Varies

Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Hampton Courts

501 Pelham DrColumbia, SC 29209
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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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Pine Grove Apartments
Rent Specials
$1,010 - $1,425
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$850 - $1,265
Required Monthly Fees
$160

Total Monthly Price
$1,010 - $1,425
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Pine Grove Apartments

408 Foxfire DrColumbia, SC 29212
Cost Per Sq.Ft.
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included
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Hampton Greene Apartment Homes
Rent Specials
$1,040 - $2,312
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$955 - $2,227
Required Monthly Fees
$85

Total Monthly Price
$1,040 - $2,312
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Hampton Greene Apartment Homes

500 Gills Creek PkwyColumbia, SC 29209
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
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Deer Meadow Village
Rent Specials
$1,048 - $1,540
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,018 - $1,510
Required Monthly Fees
$30

Total Monthly Price
$1,048 - $1,540
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Deer Meadow Village

8100 Garners Ferry RdColumbia, SC 29209
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
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Ravenwood Hills
$1,050 - $1,395
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$980 - $1,325
Required Monthly Fees
$70

Total Monthly Price
$1,050 - $1,395
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Ravenwood Hills

4215 Bethel Church RdColumbia, SC 29206
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

Columbia, SC Local Guide

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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

Explore Columbia, SC Rentals by Map

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Columbia, SC Area Reviews

  • Parks
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  • Restaurants
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  • Traffic
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  • Cost of Living
  • Safety

Kama2+ years in Columbia

December 15, 2025

Great for young professionals and families. We love Segra Park, the Harbison walking trails, and Lake Murray.

Gwendolyn2+ 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 $835.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Columbia?

The cheapest apartment in Columbia is Acasa Tropical Ridge which is listed at $650, while the average apartment in Columbia costs $2,322.

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 2,262 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 $419 which is $1,903 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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Local Experts 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.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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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.