Apartments for Rent in Columbia, SC(484 Rentals)

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Columbia, SC Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

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Columbia Overview

Columbia, South Carolina is a city filled with vibrant culture, enormous education, and profound history. It offers residents a warm escape from the Winter and easy ways to travel that range from solid public transit to three major interstate highways. Residents are able to enjoy dozens of festivals, concerts, and sporting events each year and can easily drive to nearby cities such as Savannah, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or even Atlanta. Best of all, living in Columbia apartments is a very affordable experience, allowing residents to experience big city life far cheaper than they can in other metropolitan areas.

What is the history of Columbia?

Columbia is a city with a rich history: it was voted as the state capital of South Carolina in 1786, and the prestigious South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina) was created fifteen years later to keep young people from having to go to England to pursue higher education. Much of the city was burned by General Sherman during the Civil War, but afterwards, the city flourished in both manufacturing and culture.

How is the weather in Columbia?

Columbia is known for its hot temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from 92 degrees Fahrenheit in July to lows of 34 degrees Fahrenheit in January. The weather is typically very sunny, with light breezes in the evening. The city experiences an annual rainfall of approximately forty-five inches, which helps to modulate the sunny heat.

How do I get around town?

While Columbia has a good public transportation system in the form of the Central Midlands Regions Transit Authority buses, the city itself is very spread out. Depending on how far you typically travel for work or recreation, having a car is advisable. You can also travel within the city via Amtrak trains. Flights are easily availably via the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, located in Lexington County, five miles southwest of Columbia.

What is the Columbia commute like?

Depending on your route, the commute in Columbia can be bad: TRIP estimates that average commuters lose 30 hours because of traffic congestion each year. This is due to bottlenecking around areas such as Saint Andrews Rd (exit 106 on Interstate 26). Two other major interstates are I-20 and I-77. Inside the city, many centers of art, dining, and shopping center around Main Street, College Street, and Gervais Street.

What are the local media outlets?

Columbia media outlets include sports radio station WNKT (107.5), alternative rock station WARQ (93.5), and the student-run University of South Carolina station WUSC (90.5). Location news stations include the NBC affiliate Channel 10 WIS, the CBS affiliate Channel 19 WLTX, the ABC affiliate Channel 25 WOLO, and the Fox affiliate Channel 5 WACH. The city’s major newspapers are The State, the Lexington Chronicle, and the Columbia Free Times Weekly.

Why live in Columbia, SC?

Columbia has the best of both worlds, offering you the major benefits of living in a big city while still retaining the very affordable cost of living that much of the South is known for. There is a diverse array of cultural and entertainment options, and seven distinct colleges, making it an ideal place to complete or enhance your education. The three interstate highways make it easy to either travel around town or to make a quick trip to places like Charlotte, Savannah, or Atlanta. And with plenty of options for affodable apartments in Columbia, finding a great place to live is a cinch.

What Columbia landmarks should I see?

Some of the landmarks Columbia is known for include the scenic and stately South Carolina Statehouse and the regal University of South Carolina campus. Sports aficionados are very familiar with Williams-Brice Stadium and the Colonial Life Arena, which also hosts concerts and other events. The Tunnel Vision Mural is an unforgettably surreal landmark, and the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in the entire country.

What is there to do around Columbia?

Many tourists come to the city to see the University of South Carolina Gamecocks play at the Colonial Life Arena. Locals also frequent the arena for its wide variety of concerts and other events throughout the year. Historically-minded tourists enjoy visiting the South Carolina State House, whose construction began back in 1851. Similarly, there are multiple 19th-century homes, including the governor’s mansion, that visitors can tour. Finally, locals often enjoy the culture of the Columbia Museum of Art.

Any annual festivals or Columbia events to know?

olumbia has many annual festivals, including the South Carolina State Fair which is held in October of every year. The Riverfest Celebration is held every Spring, complete with music, arts, crafts, food, and the 5K River Run. The Columbia International Festival is held earlier in Spring and showcases the cultural (including arts, music, and food) of the wide variety of nationalities, races, and cultures of those living in South Carolina.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

The aforementioned interstate highways make it easy for locals to vacation in cities such as Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach. This means that a diverse variety of city adventures are just a drive away. Closer to Columbia itself, locals can enjoy the festivals, rallies, and scenic beauty of Finlay Park.

Where is the best place to move in Columbia?

Columbia apartments downtown are more expensive, but mean you’ll live minutes away from the culture of USC and the bustling nightlife. Columbia apartments near Devine Street place you closer to boutique shopping and exciting new restaurants. Five Points is another area that can be more expensive, but is notable for being the city’s first shopping district. Like downtown, it is known for its nightlife as well as its own array of chic eateries and couture shopping venues. Those wishing for a quieter life closer to nature should consider further west in Columbia, whose metropolitan footprint includes Cayce, located close to the Congaree River.

The Capitol of South Carilina, Columbia and the surrounding area is the second largest in the state. Boasting small town country charm combined with the nightlife and culture of a larger metropolis, this city continues to draw residents from all over the great state of South Carolina who are making their homes among the many available Columbia apartments for rent.

As your Columbia apartment search expert, I want to make your apartment shopping experience stress-free by showcasing the best apartments in Columbia along with photos, videos, updated pricing and community details that should make your decision on your next apartment a cinch! Search our impressive array of detailed Columbia, SC apartment listings and filter by location, price, amenities,bedrooms and more to find the new place that fits you perfectly.

Speaking of location, finding a top-notch neighborhood in the area for your new apartment is a great first step for your search. Whether you have your sights set on a fancy 2 bedroom apartment in Downtown Columbia, an affordable Lake Murray apartment or a place that allows pets and has a pool out in the Cayce area, we have all the listing options you need in our Columbia Apartment Living Guide.

After you find the perfect place in Columbia, it will be time to get out and enjoy all that this classic city has to offer its residents. From education at the University of South Carolina, to unique dining, great shopping, exciting nightlife and enriching culture you can find it all here.

So - let us help you find your perfect place today! Start your search for the ideal apartment among the many listings for Columbia apartments for rent today at ApartmentHomeLiving.com!

Columbia, SC
Population: 133,451

Ranked #208

in US Census Population by City

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Columbia, SC

Ranked #7

Among cities in South Carolina for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Columbia, SC Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Columbia, SC

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Getting Around Columbia, SC

Walk Score®

45 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

38 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

17 / 100

Minimal Transit

It may be possible to get on a bus

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia

How much are Studio apartments in Columbia?

There are currently 48 Studio Apartments in Columbia with rent ranges from $571 to $2,140 with an average price of $1,480.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Columbia Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Columbia ranges from $625 to $4,611 with an average monthly rent of $1,405.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Columbia cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Columbia range from $779 to $5,014. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $1,583.

How expensive are Columbia Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 199 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Columbia on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $629 to $7,384 - averaging $1,817 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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