Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbia, MD
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Kings Contrivance, Oakland Mills, and Fairway Hills. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 19, 2025, the average rent in Columbia is $1,914, which is 1% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Kings Contrivance
Average Rent
$1,762/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.4%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
Kings Contrivance is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,762. Compare this to the city average of $1,914. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2.4%. Kings Contrivance provides easy access to Bwi Airport, Columbia Market, and Howard Community College. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 27.
Oakland Mills
Average Rent
$1,788/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
50 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Oakland Mills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,788, while the city’s average stands at $1,914. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.2%. Oakland Mills is near Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl, The Mall In Columbia, and Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum.
Fairway Hills
Average Rent
$1,915/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
29/100
Units Available
44 Rentals
Fairway Hills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Fairway Hills is $1,915 while the city average is $1,914. This is a -0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Coppin State University, The Mall In Columbia, and Clark's Elioak Farm. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 37.
Long Reach
Average Rent
$2,038/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.3%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
37 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Long Reach. The average rent is $2,038, compared to the city average of $1,914. Rent prices have decreased by 4.3%. Long Reach is convenient to Columbia Crossing, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, and North Linthicum. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 48.
Harper's Choice
Average Rent
$2,057/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
48 Rentals
Harper's Choice is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $2,057. Compare this to the city average of $1,914. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.6%. Harper's Choice provides easy access to Clark's Elioak Farm, Dorsey, and CCBC Cantonsville. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 45.
Owen Brown
Average Rent
$2,119/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
4 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Owen Brown might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,119, while the city’s average stands at $1,914. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.2%. Owen Brown is near Bowie State University, Dorsey, and Owen Brown Village Center.
Wilde Lake
Average Rent
$2,148/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
45/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
Wilde Lake is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Wilde Lake is $2,148 while the city average is $1,914. This is a 3.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Banneker Planetarium, Coppin State University, and UMBC. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.
Hickory Ridge
Average Rent
$2,311/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
104 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Hickory Ridge. The average rent is $2,311, compared to the city average of $1,914. Rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Hickory Ridge is convenient to Browns Bridge Recreation Area, Atholton Shopping Center, and Dorsey. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 50.
Downtown Columbia
Average Rent
$3,182/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
188 Rentals
Downtown Columbia is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $3,182. Compare this to the city average of $1,914. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Downtown Columbia provides easy access to Bwi Airport, Banneker Planetarium, and Coppin State University. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 73.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.