Columbia, SC, is known for its southern charm and sunny year-round weather.
This college “town” draws students and young professionals looking for a picturesque city with plenty to see and do.
Before you pack up and start apartment hunting, here’s what to know about living in Columbia.
Columbia Real Estate Overview
You have options when it comes to finding an apartment in Columbia.
The average rent in Columbia runs $1,130 with an average apartment size of 1,005 sq. ft.
Average rents in nearby cities like Charleston run $1,429 for a similar-sized apartment.
In Greenville, a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,174 a month.
Columbia’s more affordable neighborhoods include Brook Pines, Dutch Square, and Skyland, with an average rent of $840 a month.
The most expensive communities in the area include Downtown Columbia, Elmwood, and Granby Hill, with rents starting at $1,867.
The most popular neighborhoods in Columbia range from reasonable to relatively expensive.
The most popular neighborhood in the area is Downtown Columbia, with an average rent of $1,867.
Greater Pontiac goes for $1,005 a month, and Hampton rents run $977.
Some neighborhoods are growing in popularity, like Columbiana Station with average rents of $1,107 and Dominion Hills with average monthly rents of $1,002.
Are you thinking about buying a home in Columbia?
Renters looking to become homeowners in the future can expect to pay a median list price of $700,000.
Moving to an apartment in Columbia, SC
Once you have selected an apartment and set your move in date, it is time to start planning your move.
When planning a move you really have two different routes you can go.
The first option you have is to handle your move yourself by packing all of your belongings into your personal car or with the help of a rental moving truck from a company like Uhaul.
This option may save you some money but will require hours and hours of work. Even a one bedroom apartment can take a full day to move.
If you want to save yourself time and a lot of stress, hiring professional movers in Columbia will do the trick.
When you hire a professional moving company you won’t have to lift a finger, allowing you to go ahead and start enjoying all of the incredible things that Columbia has to offer.
Local Rental Tips
Whether you’re on a budget or have room to indulge, finding a place to live in Columbia comes with a variety of price points.
Renters usually find the best deals during the winter months.
Homebuyers will discover springtime is competitive to find a place, and selling season can persist for months in the current economic climate.
Remember to factor in fees like moving, apartment application fees, security deposits, and pet fees.
Keep in mind that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Rental scams can be found in any city, but there are ways to protect yourself, like watching out for hijacked ads and phantom rentals.
Cost of Living in Columbia
Columbia offers a lower cost of living than many similar-sized cities, and your dollar will usually stretch farther.
However, Columbia summers do get hot and humid and require some flexibility in your electric bills.
Expect to pay $168 a month for basic electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915-sq ft apartment.
Adding on an Internet package with 60 MPs or more and unlimited data and cable/ADSL runs an extra $61.62.
Dining at an inexpensive restaurant in Columbia runs $10 without any add-ons like alcohol or dessert.
A meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant for three courses runs $60.
Typical groceries cost $2.40 for a gallon of milk, $2.35 for a loaf of white bread, and $1.84 for a dozen eggs.
According to research from MIT’s living wage calculator, food costs $3,177 annually for an adult with no children.
Two working adults with a child spend at least $7,238 a year on food.
Of course, Columbia’s cost of living depends on the lifestyle you want to lead.
Taking advantage of the award-winning restaurants, pubs, and nightlife will require a bigger budget.
Columbia’s public transportation options connect locals and visitors to its vibrant downtown, shops, and restaurants.
The neon-painted Comet buses run across the Columbia region with fares starting at $2.
The Soda Cap Connector is free if you want to hop from one entertainment district to another.
Rideshares like Lyft and Uber are readily available, as well as a bike-share program to explore the city on two wheels.
Here’s how the costs break down: An adult with no children will spend around $5,113 on transportation over a year.
Two working adults with one child will need at least $11,672 a year.
Of course, these numbers can change depending on your lifestyle and workplace, especially if you are allowed to work remotely.
Employment & Education
You have some variety when it comes to the job market in Columbia.
The city’s primary industries include Advanced Manufacturing of high-tech products from ultraviolet lights to turn-key machinery.
Locals also build careers at the Medical University of South Carolina with healthcare opportunities, research, and neuroscience.
Insurance Information and Technology, Green Energy Production, Transportation and Logistics, Research, Development, and Discovery round out the list of significant industries around Columbia.
The city is home to prestigious employers, including BlueCross Blue Shield, the University of South Carolina, and the U.S. Department of the Army.
Richland County School District also employs thousands of locals in the Columbia area and beyond.
Colombia’s current unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is less than the state average of 8.6%.
There’s mixed news about its projected growth. The future job growth is expected to reach 27.4% over the next ten years, but that’s also lower than the U.S. average of 33.5%.
If you want to take advantage of Columbia’s higher education, you have your pick of several renowned colleges and universities.
Locals have their choice of the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, and Benedict College.
Parents send their children to the Richard County School District or private options.
Things to Do in Columbia
There’s plenty to keep you busy all year long in Columbia.
Here’s what to add to your calendar to get to know what the city has to offer.
Shopping
Shopping is plentiful with Columbia Place Mall, Columbiana Center, and Trenholm Plaza.
Or make a day of shopping in Downtown Columbia and nearby areas, like Five Points’ Wildflower and Vestique.
There’s also upscale consignment shops to explore, like the Gentlemen’s Closet and Revenue.
Or stop by Westend Interiors to shop for homewares for your apartment or new home.
Dining
Columbia is also a beacon for foodies looking for Southern food, fashion, and international culinary options.
Solstice serves up IPA-infused barbecue shrimp and Lula Drake Wine Parlor is perfect for seasonal small plates and paired wines.
For some international flavor, Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant serves Doro wot, beef tips, and injera bread.
Locals head to the River Rat Brewery for Astronaut Sauce IPA and bar bites while taking in fabulous rooftop views. B
ut you can’t live in Columbia without trying the iconic Blue Marlin. Diners savor pecan dusted calamari and Mahi Orleans with shrimp and crabmeat.
Entertainment
Columbia is home to attractions and entertainment like Frankie’s Fun Park, Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, and Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park.
Learn and see more of the area at the South Carolina State Museum, South Carolina State House, and Soda City representing local arts or crafts.
Sports
South Carolina doesn’t have a major sports franchise for the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS, or MLB.
Instead, the North Carolina teams represent both Carolinas, including the Panthers Football and Carolina Bobcats.
College football reigns below the Mason Dixon line, and the Clemson Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks draw loyal crowds.
Families & Kids
Columbia is a family-friendly city with pint-sized fun and quality schools.
The EdVenture Children’s Museum features interactive exhibits and learning activities.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Nickelodeon Theatre, and Frankie’s Fun Park are also contenders for a weekend of fun with the kids.
Living in Columbia, SC offers southern charm, career growth, and plenty of activities to choose from.
Start your apartment hunt today.