Cheapest Neighborhoods in Columbia, MD
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Kings Contrivance, Oakland Mills, and Long Reach. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 27, 2026, the average rent in Columbia is $1,958, which is 4.6% 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.
Kings Contrivance
Average Rent
$1,832/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5%
Units Available
16 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Kings Contrivance might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,832, while the city’s average stands at $1,958. In the last year, prices have increased by 5%. Kings Contrivance is near Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, UMBC, and Owen Brown Village Center.
Oakland Mills
Average Rent
$1,905/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.4%
Units Available
48 Rentals
Oakland Mills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Oakland Mills is $1,905 while the city average is $1,958. This is a -7.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Oakland Mills, Browns Bridge Recreation Area, and UMBC.
Long Reach
Average Rent
$1,918/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
8.7%
Units Available
38 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Long Reach. The average rent is $1,918, compared to the city average of $1,958. Rent prices have increased by 8.7%. Long Reach is convenient to Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Banneker Planetarium, and Long Reach Village Center.
Harper's Choice
Average Rent
$1,975/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
Units Available
76 Rentals
Harper's Choice is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,975. Compare this to the city average of $1,958. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Harper's Choice provides easy access to Brighton Dam's Azalea Garden, Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy, and Wilde Lake.
Hickory Ridge
Average Rent
$2,132/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
Units Available
172 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 $2,132, while the city’s average stands at $1,958. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.9%. Hickory Ridge is near CCBC Cantonsville, Howard Community College, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall.
Wilde Lake
Average Rent
$2,210/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
Units Available
57 Rentals
Wilde Lake is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Wilde Lake is $2,210 while the city average is $1,958. This is a 4.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to The Mall In Columbia, Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl, and UMBC.
Fairway Hills
Average Rent
$2,277/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
Units Available
23 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Fairway Hills. The average rent is $2,277, compared to the city average of $1,958. Rent prices have decreased by 1.4%. Fairway Hills is convenient to Patapsco Valley State Park, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, and Oakland Mills.
Downtown Columbia
Average Rent
$2,343/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
8.8%
Units Available
242 Rentals
Downtown Columbia is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $2,343. Compare this to the city average of $1,958. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 8.8%. Downtown Columbia provides easy access to Dorsey, Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy, and UMBC.
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.