Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Columbia Neighborhood of Columbia, SC from $800 (40 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.

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

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

Read Article
close
View Me
The Palms on Main
$1,350 - $1,550
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,350 - $1,550
Total Monthly Price
$1,350 - $1,550
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Aug 27

The Palms on Main

1155 Lady StColumbia, SC 29201
Furnished
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

Read Article
close
View Me
Berry Building
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Berry Building

1600-1608 Main StColumbia, SC 29201
close
View Me
Olympia Mills
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Olympia Mills

600 Heyward StColumbia, SC 29201
Student Housing
close
View Me
2411 Blossom St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

2411 Blossom St

2411 Blossom StColumbia, SC 29205
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

Read Article
close
View Me
801 King St
2 Bedroom Apartments

801 King St

801 King StColumbia, SC 29205
property at 2002 Greene St

$1,200 - $1,300

2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

2002 Greene St

ColumbiaSC29205
property at 1600 Park Cir

$1,200 - $1,695

Studio To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1600 Park Cir

ColumbiaSC29201

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
Showing Results 1-40, 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 $999. The Carolinian has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,001. Here are the most affordable Downtown Columbia apartments for rent in Columbia, SC:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The DylanC-80% income restricted studioStudio,1BA$999
The Carolinian1 Bedroon 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,001
Lofts at Lourie's1 bedroom 1 bath1BR,1BA$1,032
Berry BuildingBarringer: 1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,043
Main Street LivingBarringer: 1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,043
1321 Lofts1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,113
Cornell Arms ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,150
Hampton House1 Bedroom without Balcony1BR,1BA$1,350
The Wilshire HouseStandard1BR,1BA$1,450
Senate PlazaStudioStudio,1BA$1,500

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Columbia, SC

As of July 30, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Columbia area is the $1.91 price per square foot 2 bedroom 1 bath Model at Lofts at Lourie's in the in the Eva P. Trezevant neighborhood starting from $1,913. The second greatest value Downtown Columbia apartment is the 1 Bedroon 1 Bath Model at The Carolinian starting at $1,001 with a $1.43 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.
Lofts at Lourie's2 bedroom 1 bath2BR,1BA$1.91
The Carolinian1 Bedroon 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.43
Hampton House1 Bedroom with Balcony1BR,1BA$2.23
Cornell Arms ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.97
2603 Kiawah Ave, Unit Kiawah Avenue2603 Kiawah Ave1BR,1BA$2.59
The Land Bank Loft ApartmentsThe Quion1BR,1BA$2.95
1321 Lofts1 bedroom 1 bath w/balcony1BR,1BA$3.03
The Wilshire HouseStandard1BR,1BA$2.76
1527 Gervais St1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.49
The DylanD-80% income restricted studioStudio ,1BA$2.65

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

Real 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 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 #69

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 $999.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Columbia Apartment is $1,001 at The Carolinian.

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 $1,300 at Cornell Arms Apartments.

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 Expert's Top 8: Affordable Columbia, SC Neighborhoods for Quality Living article

Local Expert's 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 Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals article

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

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.