Cheap Gated Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC from $400 (25 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Columbia.

Towers at Forest Acres

Springwood Place Apartments

Stoneridge Senior Village

Rosewood Gardens
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.

Arbors at Windsor Lake Apartments

Woodland Village Apartments

St. Andrews Commons Apartment Homes

Lofts at Lourie's
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.

Sage Pointe

Palmera Apartments

Deer Meadow Village

Hampton Greene Apartment Homes

The Palms on Main

Broad River Trace
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.

NOMA Flats

Briar Grove Apartment Homes

Crestmont Apartments

Legacy At Sandhill
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.

Fountains of Edenwood
Columbia, SC Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Columbia?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Studio Apartments | $1,271 | $571 | $1,933 |
| Columbia 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,279 | $752 | $2,531 |
| Columbia 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,465 | $779 | $3,889 |
| Columbia 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,664 | $629 | $9,552 |
| Columbia 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,307 | $580 | $3,250 |
Explore Columbia

Columbia, SC Local Guide
- Columbia Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 ArticleThe 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 ArticleCash 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 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.
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
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 $850.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Columbia?
The cheapest apartment in Columbia is Mill Run Apartments which is listed at $801, while the average apartment in Columbia costs $1,851.
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 1,935 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 $494 which is $1,357 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

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.

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.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!





