University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

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University of South Carolina Columbia Campus - Columbia, SC

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USC defines the southern collegiate experience

Public Urban Walkable USC Gamecocks Historic

As one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in the Southeast, the University of South Carolina remains an innovative educational facility and a cultural hub for the state and the region. The university enjoys a prime location at the center of the action in Columbia, with the campus only a few blocks away from the South Carolina State House and all the resources and attractions of Downtown and Midtown.

Congaree Vista to the northwest and Five Points to the east are both within easy walking distance of the main campus, giving you countless convenient options for a quick bit to eat or a night out with friends. Apartments, condos, and rental houses are readily available all around the relatively compact urban campus, giving you numerous options of living arrangements to fit your budget and allow you to easily walk to any of the classroom buildings as well as the broader cityscape.

Rent Trends

As of April 2025, the average apartment rent in Columbia, SC is $1,084 for a studio, $1,151 for one bedroom, $1,344 for two bedrooms, and $1,631 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Columbia has increased by 0.7% in the past year.

  • Studio

  • 488 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,084/month

    Average Rent

  • 1 BR

  • 740 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,151/month

    Average Rent

  • 2 BR

  • 1,067 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,344/month

    Average Rent

  • 3 BR

  • 1,373 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,631/month

    Average Rent

Transportation

45

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

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.

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.

Schools

Brockman Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

268 Students

9
out of 10

Brennen Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

806 Students

7
out of 10

Rosewood Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

329 Students

7
out of 10

Killian Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

742 Students

6
out of 10

North Springs Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

703 Students

6
out of 10

Crayton Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

905 Students

7
out of 10

Longleaf Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

802 Students

6
out of 10

W. G. Sanders Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

533 Students

6
out of 10

Summit Parkway Middle

Public

Grades K-8

1,154 Students

5
out of 10

Dent Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

1,018 Students

5
out of 10

Spring Valley High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,187 Students

6
out of 10

A. C. Flora High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,352 Students

6
out of 10

Dreher High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,150 Students

6
out of 10

Ridge View High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,711 Students

5
out of 10

W.J. Keenan High

Public

Grades 9-12

725 Students

4
out of 10

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Melton Memorial Observatory
  • McKissick Museum
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • EdVenture Children's Museum
  • Riverbanks Zoo

Airports

  • Columbia Metro

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2025.