
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC from $400 with Washer/Dryer (98 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Columbia.


Stoneridge Senior Village

Silver Station

Killian Terrace Apartments

Cypress Run

Aria Lake Carolina

Grove at St. Andrews

The Villages at Congaree Pointe

Autumn Ridge

Colonial Pointe 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.

Retreat at St. Andrews

The Hollows

Greenbrier

Wellington Farms Apartment Homes

Windsor Shores Apartments

The Waterford Apartment Homes

Colonel Bluffs

Total Monthly Price
Hampton Courts

Bent Tree Apartments

Tanglewood
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.

Garden Lakes

Boulder Creek

Landmark at Pine Court

Paces Run

Dira East

Riverwalk Vista

Arbor Landing Apartments

Woodland Village Apartments

Five Points Residential

Acasa Prosper Fairways Apartments
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.

Avenue at Harbison

Mill Run

Regent Park Apartments

Arbors at Windsor Lake Apartments

Ovation @3500

Briargate

Cross Hill Apartments

Deerfield Run Apartments

Deer Meadow Village

Tamarind at Stoneridge
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.

Wyndham Pointe Apartments

Palmetto Gardens

Northstone Apartment Homes

Hunter's Green

Pine Grove Apartments

Wellington Residential

Atrium Place

Creekside Apartments

Reserve at River Walk

Gable Hill Apartment Homes
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.
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 | $1,001 | $401 | $2,489 |
| Columbia 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,317 | $650 | $2,640 |
| Columbia 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,519 | $450 | $3,240 |
| Columbia 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,708 | $650 | $5,169 |
| Columbia 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,452 | $535 | $4,734 |
Explore Columbia

Columbia, SC Local Guide
- Columbia Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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.
Read ArticleDon'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.
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 $803.
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 $2,435.
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 2,250 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 $389 which is $2,046 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.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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.

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.