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 March 17, 2025, the average rent in Columbia is $1,907, which is 1.5% higher 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

$1,687/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3%

TransitScore® Rating

36/100

Units Available

37 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 $1,687, while the city’s average stands at $1,907. In the last year, prices have increased by 3%. Oakland Mills is near UMBC, Howard Community College, and CCBC Cantonsville.

Kings Contrivance

Average Rent

$1,773/Month

TransitScore® Rating

30/100

Units Available

26 Rentals

Kings Contrivance is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Kings Contrivance is $1,773 while the city average is $1,907. This is a 0% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, and Howard Community College. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 27.

Long Reach

Average Rent

$1,925/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

TransitScore® Rating

36/100

Units Available

39 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Long Reach. The average rent is $1,925, compared to the city average of $1,907. Rent prices have increased by 1%. Long Reach is convenient to Howard Community College, Dobbin Station, and Dorsey. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 48.

Fairway Hills

Average Rent

$1,938/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.8%

TransitScore® Rating

29/100

Units Available

29 Rentals

Fairway Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,938. Compare this to the city average of $1,907. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.8%. Fairway Hills provides easy access to The Mall In Columbia, Banneker Planetarium, and Dorsey. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 37.

Owen Brown

Average Rent

$2,028/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.1%

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 $2,028, while the city’s average stands at $1,907. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.1%. Owen Brown is near Bwi Business District, Owen Brown Village Center, and CCBC Cantonsville.

Harper's Choice

Average Rent

$2,100/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.3%

TransitScore® Rating

26/100

Units Available

44 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 $2,100 while the city average is $1,907. This is a 0.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Clark's Elioak Farm, The Mall In Columbia, and Bwi Business District. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 45.

Hickory Ridge

Average Rent

$2,264/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

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 $2,264, compared to the city average of $1,907. Rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Hickory Ridge is convenient to Atholton Shopping Center, Howard Community College, and Brighton Dam's Azalea Garden. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 50.

Wilde Lake

Average Rent

$2,272/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

50 Rentals

Wilde Lake is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $2,272. Compare this to the city average of $1,907. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Wilde Lake provides easy access to Banneker Planetarium, Wilde Lake, and Linthicum. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 70.

Downtown Columbia

Average Rent

$3,050/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3%

TransitScore® Rating

50/100

Units Available

180 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Downtown Columbia might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,050, while the city’s average stands at $1,907. In the last year, prices have increased by 3%. Downtown Columbia is near Bwi Airport, Linthicum, and Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl.

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.