Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbia, MD
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Stevens Forest, Huntington, and Kings Contrivance. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 12, 2026, the average rent in Columbia is $1,873, which is 1.5% 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.
Stevens Forest
Average Rent
$1,643/Month
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
Stevens Forest is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,643. Compare this to the city average of $1,873. Stevens Forest provides easy access to Clark's Elioak Farm, CCBC Cantonsville, and Coppin State University. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 63.
Huntington
Average Rent
$1,675/Month
TransitScore® Rating
20/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Huntington might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,675, while the city’s average stands at $1,873. Huntington is near Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract, Columbia Market, and Browns Bridge Recreation Area.
Kings Contrivance
Average Rent
$1,725/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
33 Rentals
Kings Contrivance is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Kings Contrivance is $1,725 while the city average is $1,873. This is a -2.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, CCBC Cantonsville, and Bwi Business District. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 27.
Running Brook
Average Rent
$1,732/Month
TransitScore® Rating
45/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Running Brook. The average rent is $1,732, compared to the city average of $1,873. Running Brook is convenient to Coppin State University, Clark's Elioak Farm, and Howard Community College. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 51.
Phelps Luck
Average Rent
$1,746/Month
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
Phelps Luck is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,746. Compare this to the city average of $1,873. Phelps Luck provides easy access to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Snowden Retail, and Long Reach Village Center. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 51.
Oakland Mills
Average Rent
$1,774/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.8%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
53 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 $1,774, while the city’s average stands at $1,873. In the last year, prices have decreased by 3.8%. Oakland Mills is near Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy, Clark's Elioak Farm, and Howard Community College.
Talbot Springs
Average Rent
$1,775/Month
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
32 Rentals
Talbot Springs is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Talbot Springs is $1,775 while the city average is $1,873. Residents enjoy convenient access to UMBC, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, and CCBC Cantonsville. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 36.
Dickinson
Average Rent
$1,775/Month
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Dickinson. The average rent is $1,775, compared to the city average of $1,873. Dickinson is convenient to Fairland Regional Park, Maydale Conservation Park and Nature Center, and Brighton Dam's Azalea Garden. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 60.
Hobbit's Glen
Average Rent
$1,783/Month
TransitScore® Rating
15/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Hobbit's Glen is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,783. Compare this to the city average of $1,873. Hobbit's Glen provides easy access to Coppin State University, Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy, and Browns Bridge Recreation Area. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 27.
Harper's Choice
Average Rent
$1,837/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
32 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Harper's Choice might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,837, while the city’s average stands at $1,873. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.5%. Harper's Choice is near The Mall In Columbia, Pigtail Recreation Area, and Howard Community College.
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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.