Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbia, SC
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Skyview Terrace, Riverside Forest, and Riverside Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 13, 2025, the average rent in Columbia is $1,158, which is 1.2% 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
Skyview Terrace is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $870. Compare this to the city average of $1,158. Skyview Terrace provides easy access to Heartbreakers Shopping Center, Bush River Village, and Dutch Square Mall.
Riverside Forest
Average Rent
$905/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
110 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 $905, while the city’s average stands at $1,158. Riverside Forest is near South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Metro, and Boozer Shopping center.
Riverside Park
Average Rent
$920/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
173 Rentals
Riverside Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Riverside Park is $920 while the city average is $1,158. Residents enjoy convenient access to Melton Memorial Observatory, River Center, and Columbia Metro. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 13.
Emerald Valley
Average Rent
$929/Month
TransitScore® Rating
7/100
Units Available
51 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Emerald Valley. The average rent is $929, compared to the city average of $1,158. Emerald Valley is convenient to Columbia Metro, Boozer Shopping center, and Riverbanks Botanical Garden. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 12.
Regency Park
Average Rent
$950/Month
Units Available
17 Rentals
Regency Park is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $950. Compare this to the city average of $1,158. Regency Park provides easy access to University of South Carolina, Allen University, and Harbison Environmental Education Forest.
Landmark at Pine Court
Average Rent
$977/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Landmark at Pine Court might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $977, while the city’s average stands at $1,158. Landmark at Pine Court is near Riverbanks Botanical Garden, University of South Carolina, and Benedict College.
Bentley at Broad River
Average Rent
$977/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Bentley at Broad River is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Bentley at Broad River is $977 while the city average is $1,158. Residents enjoy convenient access to Melton Memorial Observatory, Boozer Shopping center, and Columbia International Univ.. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 41.
Mill at Broad River
Average Rent
$977/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Mill at Broad River. The average rent is $977, compared to the city average of $1,158. Mill at Broad River is convenient to Melton Memorial Observatory, University of South Carolina, and Riverbanks Botanical Garden. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 35.
Briargate Condominiums
Average Rent
$988/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Briargate Condominiums is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $988. Compare this to the city average of $1,158. Briargate Condominiums provides easy access to Benedict College, Riverbanks Zoo, and University of South Carolina. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 41.
Far North Columbia
Average Rent
$1,006/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
3/100
Units Available
30 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.
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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.