Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbia, SC
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Skyview Terrace, Emerald Valley, and Riverside Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 13, 2025, the average rent in Columbia is $1,145, which is 2.4% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Skyview Terrace
Average Rent
$878/Month
Units Available
13 Rentals
Skyview Terrace is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Skyview Terrace is $878 while the city average is $1,145. Residents enjoy convenient access to Harbison Environmental Education Forest, Columbia Metro, and Riverbanks Zoo.
Emerald Valley
Average Rent
$884/Month
TransitScore® Rating
7/100
Units Available
78 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Emerald Valley. The average rent is $884, compared to the city average of $1,145. Emerald Valley is convenient to Benedict College, South Carolina State Museum, and Harbison Environmental Education Forest. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 12.
Riverside Park
Average Rent
$897/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
100 Rentals
Riverside Park is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $897. Compare this to the city average of $1,145. Riverside Park provides easy access to Riverbanks Botanical Garden, Dutch Square Mall, and Boozer Shopping center. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 13.
Cherokee Gardens
Average Rent
$897/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Cherokee Gardens might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $897, while the city’s average stands at $1,145. Cherokee Gardens is near Riverbanks Botanical Garden, Allen University, and Right Direction Business Center.
Landmark at Pine Court
Average Rent
$929/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Landmark at Pine Court is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Landmark at Pine Court is $929 while the city average is $1,145. Residents enjoy convenient access to Broad River Village, Broad River Centre, and University of South Carolina. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 36.
Bentley at Broad River
Average Rent
$929/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Bentley at Broad River. The average rent is $929, compared to the city average of $1,145. Bentley at Broad River is convenient to Riverbanks Botanical Garden, University of South Carolina, and EdVenture Children's Museum. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 41.
Mill at Broad River
Average Rent
$929/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Mill at Broad River is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $929. Compare this to the city average of $1,145. Mill at Broad River provides easy access to Allen University, Broad River Centre, and South Carolina State Museum. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 35.
Far North Columbia
Average Rent
$978/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
3/100
Units Available
45 Rentals
Far North Columbia is a flourishing suburban area offering a wide range of housing choices, perfect for renters of all lifestyles. The neighborhood is characterized by its peaceful surroundings, providing residents with easy access to parks and schools, which are highly appreciated by locals. With shopping and dining options nearby at the popular Village at Sandhill, it's an ideal location for those who seek a quiet lifestyle without sacrificing the convenience of city amenities.
Riverside Forest
Average Rent
$1,006/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Riverside Forest might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,006, while the city’s average stands at $1,145. Riverside Forest is near Columbia International Univ., River Center, and Riverbanks Zoo.
Wales Garden
Average Rent
$1,008/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
40/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Wales Garden is a neighborhood steeped in history, featuring quaint homes that echo its rich past. With its charming tree-lined streets, the area offers a delightful blend of tradition and convenience. Residents enjoy being just a stone's throw from the University of South Carolina and having easy access to downtown Columbia.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.