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Apartments for rent in Columbia, SC

695 Properties

Local Guide

See what Columbia, SC has to offer.

What Renters Like and Dislike

What Renters Like and Dislike About Columbia

I like that there are a lot of shopping and dining options. I like to explore the bars and food nearby

Close to stores, restaurants, malls, and other services. Close to schools. Diversity in the area. Neighbors are nice and keep up their yards.

I like the people and the dogs and the trees. My favorite thing is that I am not far from shopping or the interstate

Quiet. Good stores nearby. It's a Nice and quiet area. Everything is close but not walking distance.

Unique housing, not a cookie cutter development. I like that housing and people are unique and diverse.

It has great and easy access to public transportation with most places you need being right down the street. It's about a 20min drive from fun activities.

Who Lives Here

Columbia Demographics

Education

High School

22%

Associate's

17%

Bachelor's

16%

Master's

9%

Doctorate

36%

Family Size

2 people

49%

3 people

22%

4 people

18%

5 people

7%

6+ people

3%

Household Income

0-50k

53%

50-100k

26%

100-150k

10%

150-200k

4%

200k+

6%

Age

0-10

9%

10-20

19%

20-45

42%

45-65

19%

65+

11%

Affordability

How expensive is it in Columbia?

Percentage: 3/53/5

Renters gave this area a 3 out of 5 for affordability

Rent Trends

Studio1 Bed2 Beds3 Beds
-----
Nov '23$1212$1299$1291$1417
Oct '23$1212$1265$1359$1449
Sep '23$1092$1243$1302$1417
Aug '23$965$1201$1267$1350
Jul '23$968$1124$1262$1332
Jun '23$1006$1117$1276$1332
May '23$899$1095$1203$1309
Apr '23$899$1112$1220$1312
Mar '23$899$1175$1230$1375
Feb '23$899$1140$1274$1325
Jan '23$899$1177$1320$1332
Dec '22$1117$1128$1266$1287

*The rent information included in this summary is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent.com over the past 12-months and is for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Getting Around Columbia

Columbia Transportation

Commute Time

0-15 Mins

50%

15-30 Mins

36%

30-40 Mins

9%

40-60 Mins

3%

60+ Mins

3%

Transportation Scores

Percentage: 3535

Walk Score®

Walkable

No

Say 43 of 63 renters

Has Sidewalks

No

Say 33 of 63 renters

Percentage: 3737

Bike Score®

Bike Friendly

Yes

Say 34 of 63 renters

Top Scores: Grocery, Restaurant, Coffee

Things To Do In Columbia

Top Score

Grocery Stores

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

There are some super markets around here.

  1. A high number of grocery stores per resident
  2. Significantly more grocery stores than average
  3. 25% fewer grocery stores than areas of a similar size

Restaurants

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Great service and no need for reservations. A great place for food.

  1. A high number of restaurants per resident
  2. Significantly more restaurants than average
  3. 12% fewer restaurants than areas of a similar size

Coffee

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

We're full of beans for Columbia's coffee shop scene.

  1. A high number of coffee shops per resident
  2. Significantly more coffee shops than average
  3. 20% fewer coffee shops than areas of a similar size

Nightlife

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Get your dance shoes on, Columbia looks good for nightlife.

  1. A high number of bars and clubs per resident
  2. Significantly more bars and clubs than average
  3. 61% more bars and clubs than areas of a similar size

Parks

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Columbia is team green. Parks get a high score.

  1. A high number of parks per resident
  2. Significantly more parks than average
  3. 63% more parks than areas of a similar size

Retail Shops

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

A shopaholic favorite. Columbia has a lot of style.

  1. A high number of shops per resident
  2. Significantly more shops than average
  3. 7% more shops than areas of a similar size

Health and Fitness

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Pumped and lifting a solid 4.5 stars for fitness.

  1. A high number of gyms per resident
  2. Significantly more gyms than average
  3. 20% fewer gyms than areas of a similar size

Pet Services

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Columbia is real pawsitive for your pets.

  1. A high number of pet facilities per resident
  2. Significantly more pet facilities than average
  3. 18% more pet facilities than areas of a similar size

Medical Care

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

The great medical care here is just what the doctor ordered.

  1. A high number of medical facilities per resident
  2. Significantly more medical facilities than average
  3. 33% more medical facilities than areas of a similar size

Gas Stations

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

You won't have to drive far to fill up around here.

  1. A high number of gas stations per resident
  2. Significantly more gas stations than average
  3. 70% more gas stations than areas of a similar size

Fine Arts

3/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Columbia has the right frame of mind for art.

  1. A high number of fine art centers per resident
  2. Significantly more fine art centers than average
  3. 19% fewer fine art centers than areas of a similar size

What Renters Are Saying

Columbia Features

Area Has Litter

No

Say 57 of 63 renters

Good Place To Raise A Family

Yes

Say 55 of 63 renters

Noise Late At Night

No

Say 54 of 63 renters

Area Has Potholes

No

Say 52 of 63 renters

Busy Streets

No

Say 45 of 63 renters

Pet Friendly

Yes

Say 45 of 63 renters

Quiet Area

Yes

Say 45 of 63 renters

Mostly Older Buildings

No

Say 42 of 63 renters

Near Schools

Yes

Say 41 of 63 renters

Near Grocery Stores

Yes

Say 39 of 63 renters

Safe For Families

Yes

Say 39 of 63 renters

Area Has Kids Play Outside

Yes

Say 38 of 63 renters

Maintained Yards

Yes

Say 32 of 63 renters

Tree Lined Streets

No

Say 32 of 63 renters

Nearby Parks

No

Say 35 of 63 renters

Near Highways

No

Say 37 of 63 renters

Well Lit

No

Say 38 of 63 renters

Near Downtown

No

Say 48 of 63 renters

Nice Views

No

Say 48 of 63 renters

Mostly Newer Buildings

No

Say 51 of 63 renters

Columbia Education

Schools

Percentage: 4/54/5

School Score

How satisfied do renters feel with the schools in this area.

Top Schools in Columbia

10/10

Brockman Elementary School

Grades PK, K-5 • Public

8/10

Lake Murray Elementary School

Grades PK, K-5 • Public

8/10

Bookman Road Elementary School

Grades PK, K-5 • Public

8/10

Bethel Hanberry Elementary School

Grades PK, K-5 • Public

8/10

Catawba Trail Elementary School

Grades PK, K-5 • Public

7/10

New Providence Elementary School

Grades K-5 • Public

Information provided by GreatSchools. To verify school enrollment eligibility, contact the school district directly.

What You Need to Know

Renter Articles

All About

Living in Columbia, SC

Getting to Know Columbia, SC
Would you love to live in a city where Southern charm and history meet urban culture? If so, consider Columbia, South Carolina. A revitalized downtown area offers art galleries, restaurants, a convention center, concerts and plenty of great shopping. As the home of University of South Carolina's main campus, Columbia also offers an exciting array of educational opportunities. And with a large student population, it's easy to find cheap apartments in Columbia, SC.

 

 

Columbia Apartments and Neighborhoods

Only five minutes from USC, Devine Street is a 12-block stretch of eclectic retailers and restaurants in one of the city's oldest residential areas. Other popular options include downtown, which offers a metropolitan atmosphere for fans of city living, and Cayce, a quiet suburban community just west of the Congaree River.


Apartments in Columbia, SC range from the affordable to pricey and country to contemporary. Spacious apartments near the university are perfect for sharing with roommates and make it easy to access I-26. Luxurious lofts with views of the city skyline can be found close to the downtown area. Many apartment rentals in Columbia include a pool, a fitness center, spacious layouts and upgraded kitchens. Browse Apartment Guide for up-to-date listings to find the best apartments in Columbia, SC.

 

Free Things to Do

There's no need to break the bank when you want to have fun. Here are our top 10 free things to do in Columbia:

  • Riverfront Park provides 167 acres worth of walking, jogging and biking opportunities.
  • Finlay Park is one of the state's best public parks and hosts festivals throughout the year.
  • Owens Field Skate Park offers teens 15,000 square feet of skating challenges, including bowls and metal-plated rails.
  • The South Carolina State House is open for guided and self-guided tours daily. Look for the six bronze stars that mark cannon fire from Sherman's March.
  • USC campus tours provide an insider view of Gibbes Green, Koger Center for the Performing Arts and Williams-Brice Stadium.
  • Sign up for a class at Columbia Art Center to increase your sense of creativity.
  • Lowe's and Home Depot both offer weekend workshops for do-it-yourself enthusiasts of all ages.
  • Take a photo in front of the deceptively realistic Tunnelvision mural, and then see if you can find the world's largest fire hydrant nearby.
  • The Caldwell-Boylston House on the Governor's Mansion grounds is open for tours on select weekdays.
  • Columbia's main street market, Soda City, features regional wares to nourish "brain, body and belly."

 

Columbia is for Families

In Columbia, you can find a wide range of public, Catholic, charter, boarding and magnet schools, and several of the state's top-ranking private schools. Education doesn't have to end when class is dismissed. Accompany the little ones to attractions like EdVenture Children's Museum and the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden to learn about local flora and fauna.

 

Natural Beauty of Columbia
Columbia's natural beauty is best experienced by bird watching on the Saluda River, fishing at scenic Lake Murray and hiking through Harbison State Forest. The shrubs, ditch areas and native grasses welcome wildlife, including songbirds, quail and cottontail rabbits.

 

Getaways from Columbia

Cola is within driving distance of the Appalachian Mountains, scenic marshes, national forests and the coastal communities of Charleston and Savannah. The closest beach to Columbia is Myrtle Beach, the Travel Channel's pick for #1 beach in the country. You are also less than seven hours from the sandy shores of Virginia Beach, Nags Head, Jekyll Island and Daytona Beach.