A view of the Columbia skyline over Jarvis Klapman Boulevard. | Photo by COLAtoday
Rent prices are on the rise — but how much does it actually cost to rent in the Capital City right now? We pulled the latest numbers to break down what it takes to rent in the Columbia metro area, from average prices to how many hours you’d need to work to make it happen.
By the numbers
$1,434. The average rent for a ~1,000-sqft apartment in Columbia, as of June 2025.
$1,298. The Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the Columbia metro area, according to HUD.
$24.08/hour. That’s the hourly wage a full-time worker in SC needs to earn to afford a two-bedroom rental without spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
Music in the Garden: The Water Kickers | 6-9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Grab a drink and talk to an expert gardener about all things gardening with live music in the garden.
26th Annual Vista Queen: Queens of Pop | 6 p.m. | Trustus Theatre | $80 | Hosted by Patti O’Furniture, enjoy this romping collision of lip syncing and drag.
Saturday, June 7
Richland County Ag + Art | Saturday, June 7-Sunday, June 8 | Times vary | Columbia | Free | The self-guided tour of farms and markets features local artisans at every stop
Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive | 12-3 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, Cayce | Free | Adoption fees are waived for all animals at the event, and animals come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Sunday, June 8
The Capital City Cocktail Competition | 3-6 p.m. | Expansive Main Street | $55 | Where cocktails meet competition with eight local mixologists, three rounds, and one unforgettable night.
Origami Angel | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $36 | The indie rock duo is on tour in support of their 2024 album “Feeling Not Found.”
Unlock your potential with USC’s Continuing Education programs
Presented by University of South Carolina
These courses are taught by practicing professionals, selected for their industry expertise and exceptional teaching abilities. | Photo provided by University of South Carolina
In a rapidly changing job market, staying competitive is crucial. But how?
According to Forbes, getting a professional certificate to sharpen your skills and enhance your resume can significantly improve your chances of landing a job — and even lead to a salary increase.
Whether you’re new in your career or simply looking for a change of scenery, the University of South Carolina has a wide range of professional education and certificate programs designed to boost your marketability in today’s job market. Think:
Leadership development
Supply chain management
Grant writing
Lean Six Sigma (read: problem-solving and data-based decision-making)
Paralegal studies
Project management
Human resource management
Government finance
Bonus: These in-person and online programs are flexible. Students can attend class whenever it works for them — yes, even on evenings and weekends.
The City of Columbia will host a drop-in meeting on Monday, June 16, from 4-6 p.m. at Stormwater Studios to share updated plans for the Williams Street Extension. Residents can weigh in on protected bike lanes, safer crossings, and riverfront connectivity.
Traffic
SCDOT will shift traffic to the new Broad River Road bridge at the I-20 interchange today at 7 a.m. Both bridges will remain open as crews continue work on a Diverging Diamond Interchange.
Outdoors
Riverbanks Botanical Garden is celebrating 30 years in bloom on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event features live music, food trucks, and gardening demos, all included with zoo admission or membership.
Kids
Midlands kids ages 6-18 are invited to tee it up with Bank of America’s free “Golf with Us” program. Registration is open through Sunday, June 15, offering a Youth on Course membership with $5-or-less rounds at several Midlands courses.
Try This
Free Summer at the Columbia Museum of Art is back through Labor Day, offering SC residents free admission. Visitors can explore the reopened first-floor galleries and two exhibitions — Sam Gilliam: Printmaker and Let’s Have a Talk.
Arts
Gemini Arts, an artist collective in Rosewood, hosts open house nights every Friday from 6-9 p.m. Founded by artist Ron Hagell, the space offers 15 studios, ceramics facilities, and a gallery space curated by the artists. (The Post and Courier)
We’ve built your new go-to summer outfit. Grab the complete look below for under $200.
👗A lightweight dress with ruffle detailing on the sleeves and a flattering A-line silhouette.
🩴Reef’s vegan leather sandals that are top rated for comfort.
👛 A sturdy and stylish woven crossbody with a detachable shoulder strap + handles for multiple carrying options.
💎 Ettika’s freshwater pearl necklace plated with 18k gold to help prevent skin sensitivity.
💄Complete this (or any) look with Clinique’s best-selling Almost Lipstick in Black Honey.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The Boyd Passage Trailhead opens a fresh route on the Palmetto Trail, thanks to The Boyd Foundation. | Photos by COLAtoday
Add this to your local hiking list: The newly opened Boyd Foundation Passage trailhead in Southeast Columbia is now part of a 23.5-mile stretch connecting the Palmetto Trail to the Wateree Passage. Along the way, you’ll pass Cook’s Mountain — one of the highest points in Richland County.
}})
