
Cheap Short Term Lease Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC from $400 (25 Rentals)
Short Term Rental Options.
Cheap Apartments in Columbia.


Towers at Forest Acres

Park SC

Autumn Ridge

Wellington Farms Apartment Homes

Bent Tree Apartments
Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Create a productive work-from-home apartment setup, even in a small space or studio. Discover layout ideas, desk solutions, and organization tips that actually work.

Boulder Creek

Woodland Village Apartments

1051 Southern Dr

Tamarind at Stoneridge

Quail Run

Stone Ridge Apartments
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.

Arbors at Windsor Lake Apartments

Wellington Residential

The Farrington

Deer Meadow Village

Landmark of Columbia

Wildewood South
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.

Providence Park

Grove at St. Andrews

Spring Lake

Spring Gardens

Lory of Harbison

Woodcreek Farms
When Life Happens: Your Options for Ending a Rental Lease Early
Unexpected life events can force you to break your lease. Learn how to communicate with your landlord, negotiate a solution, and understand your legal options for early termination.

Enclave Blythewood Crossing Phase II
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 | $975 | $401 | $2,249 |
| Columbia 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,337 | $675 | $2,676 |
| Columbia 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,494 | $450 | $4,069 |
| Columbia 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,691 | $699 | $4,440 |
| Columbia 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,473 | $499 | $4,205 |
Explore Columbia

Columbia, SC Local Guide
- Columbia Neighborhoods
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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.
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.
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 $799.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Columbia?
The cheapest apartment in Columbia is Acasa Prosper Fairways Apartments which is listed at $720, while the average apartment in Columbia costs $2,492.
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 2,674 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 $507 which is $1,985 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 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.

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.