Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbia, SC
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Skyview Terrace, Riverside Forest, and Emerald Valley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 27, 2026, the average rent in Columbia is $1,158, which is 0.8% 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
$870/Month
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Skyview Terrace. The average rent is $870, compared to the city average of $1,158. Skyview Terrace is convenient to Bush River Village, Benedict College, and University of South Carolina.
Riverside Forest
Average Rent
$904/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
103 Rentals
Riverside Forest is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $904. Compare this to the city average of $1,158. Riverside Forest provides easy access to EdVenture Children's Museum, Benedict College, and South Carolina State Museum. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 10.
Emerald Valley
Average Rent
$911/Month
TransitScore® Rating
7/100
Units Available
47 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Emerald Valley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $911, while the city’s average stands at $1,158. Emerald Valley is near Columbia International Univ., Riverbanks Zoo, and South Carolina State Museum.
Riverside Park
Average Rent
$922/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
161 Rentals
Riverside Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Riverside Park is $922 while the city average is $1,158. Residents enjoy convenient access to Columbia International Univ., Dutch Square Mall, and South Carolina State Museum. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 13.
Regency Park
Average Rent
$935/Month
Units Available
13 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Regency Park. The average rent is $935, compared to the city average of $1,158. Regency Park is convenient to Right Direction Business Center, Allen University, and Riverbanks Zoo.
Landmark at Pine Court
Average Rent
$979/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
Landmark at Pine Court is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $979. Compare this to the city average of $1,158. Landmark at Pine Court provides easy access to Melton Memorial Observatory, EdVenture Children's Museum, and Riverbanks Botanical Garden. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 36.
Bentley at Broad River
Average Rent
$979/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Bentley at Broad River might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $979, while the city’s average stands at $1,158. Bentley at Broad River is near Boozer Shopping center, Melton Memorial Observatory, and Broad River Village.
Mill at Broad River
Average Rent
$979/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
Mill at Broad River is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Mill at Broad River is $979 while the city average is $1,158. Residents enjoy convenient access to Allen University, Riverbanks Zoo, and Columbia Metro. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 35.
Far North Columbia
Average Rent
$998/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
3/100
Units Available
42 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.
Skyland Estates
Average Rent
$1,028/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Skyland Estates. The average rent is $1,028, compared to the city average of $1,158. Skyland Estates is convenient to Broad River Village, University of South Carolina, and Broad River Centre. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 22.
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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.