Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbia, MD
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Oakland Mills, Kings Contrivance, and Long Reach. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 26, 2025, the average rent in Columbia is $1,869, which is 0.6% 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.
Oakland Mills
Average Rent
$1,728/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
47 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Oakland Mills. The average rent is $1,728, compared to the city average of $1,869. Rent prices have increased by 1.2%. Oakland Mills is convenient to Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy, Banneker Planetarium, and UMBC. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 43.
Kings Contrivance
Average Rent
$1,752/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
39 Rentals
Kings Contrivance is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,752. Compare this to the city average of $1,869. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.9%. Kings Contrivance provides easy access to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Bowie State University, and Bwi Airport. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 27.
Long Reach
Average Rent
$1,880/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.3%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Long Reach might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,880, while the city’s average stands at $1,869. In the last year, prices have decreased by 5.3%. Long Reach is near Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl, Dobbin Station, and Howard Community College.
Harper's Choice
Average Rent
$2,006/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
42 Rentals
Harper's Choice is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Harper's Choice is $2,006 while the city average is $1,869. This is a 1.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to UMBC, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, and CCBC Cantonsville. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 45.
Fairway Hills
Average Rent
$2,045/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
29/100
Units Available
36 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Fairway Hills. The average rent is $2,045, compared to the city average of $1,869. Rent prices have decreased by 0.2%. Fairway Hills is convenient to Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, and Linthicum. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 37.
Owen Brown
Average Rent
$2,083/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
4 Rentals
Owen Brown is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $2,083. Compare this to the city average of $1,869. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Owen Brown provides easy access to Bowie State University, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, and Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 51.
Hickory Ridge
Average Rent
$2,177/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
104 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Hickory Ridge might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,177, while the city’s average stands at $1,869. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.3%. Hickory Ridge is near Pigtail Recreation Area, Clark's Elioak Farm, and Howard Community College.
Wilde Lake
Average Rent
$2,267/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.2%
TransitScore® Rating
45/100
Units Available
47 Rentals
Wilde Lake is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Wilde Lake is $2,267 while the city average is $1,869. This is a -6.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to CCBC Cantonsville, North Linthicum, and Bwi Airport. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.
Downtown Columbia
Average Rent
$2,828/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
183 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Columbia. The average rent is $2,828, compared to the city average of $1,869. Rent prices have increased by 0.1%. Downtown Columbia is convenient to Banneker Planetarium, Browns Bridge Recreation Area, and Bwi Business District. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 73.
Ready to make your move to Columbia? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
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.