Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/23/2025
Columbia, South Carolina’s metro area blends historic charm with a vibrant university atmosphere, making it a magnet for young professionals, families, and graduate students alike. The city’s walkable downtown, riverfront parks, and bustling cultural scene provide a dynamic backdrop for renters seeking both convenience and community. With a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and new mixed‑use developments, Columbia offers a variety of living experiences that cater to diverse lifestyles.
The rental market reflects this diversity, featuring a balanced mix of apartments and single‑family houses. Studio apartments typically sit in the $1200 range, while one‑ and two‑bedroom units often hover in the $1300s to $1500s, providing affordable options for newcomers and students. Larger three‑ and four‑plus‑bedroom apartments trend toward the $1600‑$1700 range, appealing to growing families or shared‑living arrangements. For those who prefer a house, one‑bedroom homes are generally priced in the $1100‑$1200 range, two‑bedrooms around $1400, and larger three‑ and four‑plus‑bedroom homes often fall into the $1800‑$2200 range, offering spacious alternatives to traditional apartment living.
Neighborhoods such as Downtown, Shandon, and Five Points are celebrated for their vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and proximity to the University of South Carolina, making them popular among students and young professionals. Suburban communities like Forest Acres and the Riverbanks area provide quieter, family‑friendly environments with easy access to parks, shopping, and top‑rated schools. Whether you’re drawn to the energetic pulse of the city core or the serene charm of the surrounding suburbs, Columbia’s rental market delivers flexible options that suit a wide spectrum of needs and budgets.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $1,248 | $1,350 | $835 - $1,605 | $950 - $1,572 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,339 | $1,348 | $825 - $1,900 | $1,060 - $1,589 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $1,407 | $1,275 | $795 - $2,704 | $1,099 - $1,666 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $1,709 | $1,629 | $900 - $3,000 | $1,299 - $2,035 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $1,149 | $1,050 | $895 - $1,500 | $950 - $1,350 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $1,399 | $1,372 | $575 - $2,595 | $1,150 - $1,725 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $1,791 | $1,769 | $850 - $3,495 | $1,550 - $1,950 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $2,420 | $2,250 | $249 - $5,000 | $2,049 - $2,500 |
In the current period, the average rent in Columbia, SC was $1,249 for Studio, $1,324 for 1 Bedroom, $1,404 for 2 Bedroom, $1,781 for 3 Bedroom, and $2,245 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.