Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbia, MD
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Stevens Forest, Talbot Springs North, and Running Brook. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 29, 2025, the average rent in Columbia is $1,875, which is 0.8% 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
$1,617/Month
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Stevens Forest might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,617, while the city’s average stands at $1,875. Stevens Forest is near Oakland Mills, Banneker Planetarium, and Coppin State University.
Talbot Springs North
Average Rent
$1,630/Month
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
Talbot Springs North is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Talbot Springs North is $1,630 while the city average is $1,875. Residents enjoy convenient access to Bwi Airport, Bwi Business District, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 50.
Running Brook
Average Rent
$1,634/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 $1,634, compared to the city average of $1,875. Running Brook is convenient to Clark's Elioak Farm, Coppin State University, and Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 51.
Phelps Luck
Average Rent
$1,668/Month
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Phelps Luck is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,668. Compare this to the city average of $1,875. Phelps Luck provides easy access to UMBC, North Linthicum, and Howard Community College. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 51.
Kings Contrivance
Average Rent
$1,678/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
29 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 $1,678, while the city’s average stands at $1,875. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2%. Kings Contrivance is near Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl, and Dorsey.
Huntington
Average Rent
$1,691/Month
TransitScore® Rating
20/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Huntington is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Huntington is $1,691 while the city average is $1,875. Residents enjoy convenient access to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Maydale Conservation Park and Nature Center, and Bwi Airport. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 19.
The Pines
Average Rent
$1,702/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out The Pines. The average rent is $1,702, compared to the city average of $1,875. The Pines is convenient to CCBC Cantonsville, Fairland Regional Park, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall.
Dickinson
Average Rent
$1,735/Month
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
Dickinson is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,735. Compare this to the city average of $1,875. Dickinson provides easy access to Howard Community College, Dorsey, and UMBC. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 60.
Talbot Springs
Average Rent
$1,752/Month
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Talbot Springs might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,752, while the city’s average stands at $1,875. Talbot Springs is near Banneker Planetarium, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, and Browns Bridge Recreation Area.
Oakland Mills
Average Rent
$1,768/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
Oakland Mills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Oakland Mills is $1,768 while the city average is $1,875. This is a 0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to The Mall In Columbia, Bwi Business District, and CCBC Cantonsville. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 43.
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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.