Cheapest Neighborhoods in Columbia, MD

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Kings Contrivance, Oakland Mills, and Harper's Choice. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 28, 2026, the average rent in Columbia is $1,919, 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.

Kings Contrivance

Average Rent

$1,786/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

Units Available

18 Rentals

Kings Contrivance is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,786. Compare this to the city average of $1,919. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Kings Contrivance provides easy access to Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl, Columbia Market, and Browns Bridge Recreation Area.

Oakland Mills

Average Rent

$1,895/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

Units Available

43 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 $1,895, while the city’s average stands at $1,919. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.5%. Oakland Mills is near Oakland Mills, The Mall In Columbia, and Bwi Business District.

Harper's Choice

Average Rent

$1,971/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

Units Available

80 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 $1,971 while the city average is $1,919. This is a 2.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Harper's Choice Village Center, The Mall In Columbia, and Wilde Lake.

Long Reach

Average Rent

$2,004/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.6%

Units Available

45 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Long Reach. The average rent is $2,004, compared to the city average of $1,919. Rent prices have increased by 1.6%. Long Reach is convenient to Banneker Planetarium, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, and Howard Community College.

Hickory Ridge

Average Rent

$2,040/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

Units Available

159 Rentals

Hickory Ridge is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $2,040. Compare this to the city average of $1,919. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Hickory Ridge provides easy access to Pigtail Recreation Area, Browns Bridge Recreation Area, and Bowie State University.

Fairway Hills

Average Rent

$2,059/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.2%

Units Available

28 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Fairway Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,059, while the city’s average stands at $1,919. In the last year, prices have decreased by 5.2%. Fairway Hills is near Coppin State University, Howard Community College, and Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl.

Wilde Lake

Average Rent

$2,154/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.9%

Units Available

58 Rentals

Wilde Lake is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Wilde Lake is $2,154 while the city average is $1,919. This is a 4.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Coppin State University, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, and CCBC Cantonsville.

Downtown Columbia

Average Rent

$2,416/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.5%

Units Available

206 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Columbia. The average rent is $2,416, compared to the city average of $1,919. Rent prices have increased by 3.5%. Downtown Columbia is convenient to Coppin State University, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, and CCBC Cantonsville.

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.