Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Columbia Neighborhood of Columbia, SC from $700 (50 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
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 the Downtown Columbia area of Columbia.

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
The Palms on Main
Rent Specials
$1,242 - $2,371
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,242 - $2,371
Total Monthly Price
$1,242 - $2,371
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Palms on Main

1155 Lady StColumbia, SC 29201
Furnished
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
property at 2444 Washington St

$1,250

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,250
Total Monthly Price
$1,250

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Now

2444 Washington St, Unit 2444, Unit 2444

2444 Washington St
ColumbiaSC29204

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
property at 1600 Park Cir

$850 - $1,600

Studio To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1600 Park Cir

ColumbiaSC29201
close
View Me
Berry Building
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Berry Building

1600-1608 Main StColumbia, SC 29201

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
property at 2002 Greene St

$1,100 - $1,400

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

2002 Greene St

ColumbiaSC29205
close
View Me
Kress Building
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Kress Building

1502 Main StColumbia, SC 29201
close
View Me
Olympia Mills
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Olympia Mills

600 Heyward StColumbia, SC 29201
close
View Me
801 King St
2 Bedroom Apartments

801 King St

801 King StColumbia, SC 29205
close
View Me
2411 Blossom St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

2411 Blossom St

2411 Blossom StColumbia, SC 29205
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
612 Whaley at The Mills
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

612 Whaley at The Mills

612 Whaley StColumbia, SC 29201
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Senate Club
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Senate Club

1018-1020 Marion StColumbia, SC 29201
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Tapp's Building
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tapp's Building

1644 Main StColumbia, SC 29201

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
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 1

Downtown Columbia, Columbia, SC Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Columbia area of Columbia, SC is a Studio unit found at The Dylan priced from $750. Cornell Arms Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $950. Here are the most affordable Downtown Columbia apartments for rent in Columbia, SC:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The DylanB50Studio,1BA$750
Cornell Arms ApartmentsStudio One BedroomStudio,1BA$950
Berry BuildingBarringer: StudioStudio,1BA$995
Main Street LivingBarringer: StudioStudio,1BA$995
Lofts at Lourie's1 bedroom 1 bath1BR,1BA$1,032
Hub Columbia4x34BR,3BA$1,070
1321 Lofts1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,113
The Carolinian2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1BA$1,250
Senate PlazaStudioStudio,1BA$1,350
Hampton House1 Bedroom without Balcony1BR,1BA$1,350

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Columbia, SC

As of April 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Columbia area is the $0.90 price per square foot 4x4 Oasis Model at Hub Columbia in the in the Waverly neighborhood starting from $1,260. The second greatest value Downtown Columbia apartment is the 2A Model at The Palms on Main starting at $2,371 with a $2.16 price per square foot in the Waverly neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Columbia apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Hub Columbia4x4 Oasis4BR,4BA$0.90
The Palms on Main2A2BR,2BA$2.16
Tapp's BuildingTapp`s: 2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.57
Lofts at Lourie's2 bedroom 1 bath2BR,1BA$1.91
Kress BuildingKress: 1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.60
The Carolinian2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1BA$1.39
The Land Bank Loft ApartmentsThe Taylor1BR,1BA$1.84
2446 Washington St, Unit 2446 Washington Street2446 Washington St1BR,1BA$2.00
Hampton House1 Bedroom with Balcony1BR,1BA$2.23
Berry BuildingBarringer: StudioStudio ,1BA$2.07

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 Article
Decorative image

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

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
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

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Columbia, Columbia, SC

Ranked #68

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Columbia Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown Columbia?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown Columbia is at The Dylan listed at $750.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Columbia Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Columbia Apartment is $1,032 at Lofts at Lourie's.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown Columbia Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Columbia is starting from $1,250 at The Carolinian.

What is the most affordable Downtown Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Downtown Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Lady and starts from $3,700.

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 Local Experts Top 8: Affordable Columbia, SC Neighborhoods for Quality Living article

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.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.