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Apartments under $1,200 for Rent in Columbia, SC

2,177 Rentals
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Showing 42 of 265 results, Page 1 of 7

Living & Renting in Columbia

Columbia at a Glance

Average Rent

$1,154
(All bedrooms and property types)
Learn more about
Average Rent in Columbia
6

School Rating

out of 10 Rating
Learn more about
Schools in Columbia
17

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
Learn more about
Transportation in Columbia
38

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
Learn more about
Transportation in Columbia

Columbia, SC Apartments for Rent

Columbia, South Carolina's capital city is where the Saluda and Broad Rivers meet to form the Congaree River in the heart of the state's Midlands region. Home to the University of South Carolina and nicknamed "Soda City" by locals, Columbia offers a college town atmosphere with state government opportunities and Southern hospitality. If you're looking for apartments for rent in Columbia, you'll find everything from downtown high-rises near the historic State House to garden-style apartment communities in neighborhoods like Shandon, Five Points, and the Vista district.

Renting in Columbia gives you access to both city living and outdoor recreation at an affordable cost, with average one-bedroom rents around $1,149. The city's layout makes commuting convenient via major highways like I-20, I-26, and I-77, connecting residents to employment centers including BlueCross BlueShield, Prisma Health, and Fort Jackson military base. Popular neighborhoods each have their own personality - Five Points buzzes with nightlife and restaurants near campus, while Shandon features tree-lined streets with historic homes, and the Vista provides upscale dining and entertainment venues. Residents enjoy easy access to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Congaree National Park, and numerous lakes for boating and fishing, making Columbia an appealing choice for renters who want both city conveniences and natural recreation.

Why Columbia?

  • Fort Jackson is the US Army’s largest and most active training center.
  • The University of South Carolina is one of the nation’s top research centers.
  • Congaree National Park offers 22,000 acres of old-growth forest to explore.
  • The Columbia Inferno hockey team offers excitement on ice at the Carolina Coliseum.
  • Columbia features an abundance of fine arts, including the Columbia City Ballet.
  • Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is one of the most beautiful in the country.

Renting in Columbia

Average Rental Rates and Apartment Sizes

Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods in Columbia

(For 1 bedroom apartments)

Getting Around Columbia

Transportation

45

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you need a car.
38

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you'll most likely want your car for most errands.
17

Minimal Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.
Scores provided by Walk Scoreⓘ

Education

Private University
Private University
Public University
Private University
Public University
GreatSchools Rating
Spring Valley High

Public High School

Public
Grades 9-12
2,187 Students
GreatSchools Rating
A. C. Flora High

Public High School

Public
Grades 9-12
1,352 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Dreher High

Public High School

Public
Grades 9-12
1,150 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Ridge View High

Public High School

Public
Grades 9-12
1,711 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Irmo High

Public High School

Public
Grades 9-12
1,307 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Crayton Middle

Public Middle School

Public
Grades 6-8
905 Students
GreatSchools Rating
W. G. Sanders Middle

Public Middle School

Public
Grades 6-8
533 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Hand Middle

Public Middle School

Public
Grades 6-8
652 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Satchel Ford Elementary

Public Elementary School

Public
Grades K-5
631 Students

Data provided by GreatSchools.org 2025 © 2025. All rights reserved.

Apartments for Rent Near Columbia

Columbia Apartments for Rent in Your Budget

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