Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbia, MD

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Huntington, The Pines, and Kings Contrivance. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 30, 2026, the average rent in Columbia is $1,891, 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.

Huntington

Average Rent

$1,587/Month

Units Available

20 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 $1,587, while the city’s average stands at $1,891. Huntington is near Fairland Regional Park, UMBC, and Bowie State University.

The Pines

Average Rent

$1,602/Month

Units Available

11 Rentals

The Pines is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in The Pines is $1,602 while the city average is $1,891. Residents enjoy convenient access to UMBC, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, and Fairland Regional Park.

Kings Contrivance

Average Rent

$1,620/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.2%

Units Available

40 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Kings Contrivance. The average rent is $1,620, compared to the city average of $1,891. Rent prices have decreased by 3.2%. Kings Contrivance is convenient to Owen Brown South Commercial Center II, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, and Bowie State University.

Stevens Forest

Average Rent

$1,670/Month

Units Available

21 Rentals

Stevens Forest is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,670. Compare this to the city average of $1,891. Stevens Forest provides easy access to Coppin State University, Merriweather District, and Banneker Planetarium.

Dickinson

Average Rent

$1,696/Month

Units Available

24 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Dickinson might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,696, while the city’s average stands at $1,891. Dickinson is near Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl, UMBC, and Montpelier Center.

Phelps Luck

Average Rent

$1,720/Month

Units Available

16 Rentals

Phelps Luck is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Phelps Luck is $1,720 while the city average is $1,891. Residents enjoy convenient access to Gwynns Falls - Leakin Park, Bwi Airport, and Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum.

Kendall Ridge

Average Rent

$1,782/Month

Units Available

11 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Kendall Ridge. The average rent is $1,782, compared to the city average of $1,891. Kendall Ridge is convenient to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy, and Dorsey.

Long Reach

Average Rent

$1,852/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

Units Available

41 Rentals

Long Reach is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,852. Compare this to the city average of $1,891. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Long Reach provides easy access to Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl, Dorsey, and UMBC.

Hobbit's Glen

Average Rent

$1,856/Month

Units Available

10 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Hobbit's Glen might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,856, while the city’s average stands at $1,891. Hobbit's Glen is near Howard Community College, Coppin State University, and Wilde Lake.

Oakland Mills

Average Rent

$1,903/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.8%

Units Available

49 Rentals

Oakland Mills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Oakland Mills is $1,903 while the city average is $1,891. This is a -4.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, CCBC Cantonsville, and The Mall In Columbia.

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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.