Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbia, MD
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Stevens Forest, Talbot Springs North, and Phelps Luck. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of August 7, 2025, the average rent in Columbia is $1,906, which is 0.5% 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.
Stevens Forest
Average Rent
$1,621/Month
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
Stevens Forest is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Stevens Forest is $1,621 while the city average is $1,906. Residents enjoy convenient access to Bwi Business District, Howard Community College, and CCBC Cantonsville. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 63.
Talbot Springs North
Average Rent
$1,621/Month
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Talbot Springs North. The average rent is $1,621, compared to the city average of $1,906. Talbot Springs North is convenient to The Mall In Columbia, Browns Bridge Recreation Area, and Clark's Elioak Farm. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 50.
Phelps Luck
Average Rent
$1,666/Month
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
Phelps Luck is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,666. Compare this to the city average of $1,906. Phelps Luck provides easy access to Bwi Business District, Dobbin Station, and Howard Community College. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 51.
Kings Contrivance
Average Rent
$1,727/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
43 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 $1,727, while the city’s average stands at $1,906. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.2%. Kings Contrivance is near Bwi Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl, and Howard Community College.
The Pines
Average Rent
$1,744/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 $1,744 while the city average is $1,906. Residents enjoy convenient access to Brighton Dam's Azalea Garden, Clark's Elioak Farm, and Dorsey.
Oakland Mills
Average Rent
$1,749/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
45 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Oakland Mills. The average rent is $1,749, compared to the city average of $1,906. Rent prices have decreased by 2.7%. Oakland Mills is convenient to Bwi Business District, Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy, and Coppin State University. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 43.
Huntington
Average Rent
$1,752/Month
TransitScore® Rating
20/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
Huntington is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,752. Compare this to the city average of $1,906. Huntington provides easy access to Owen Brown South Commercial Center II, Howard Community College, and Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 19.
Dickinson
Average Rent
$1,758/Month
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
23 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 $1,758, while the city’s average stands at $1,906. Dickinson is near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Montpelier Center, and UMBC.
Talbot Springs
Average Rent
$1,799/Month
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
Talbot Springs is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Talbot Springs is $1,799 while the city average is $1,906. Residents enjoy convenient access to Bwi Airport, The Mall In Columbia, and Coppin State University. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 36.
Long Reach
Average Rent
$1,862/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
51 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Long Reach. The average rent is $1,862, compared to the city average of $1,906. Rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Long Reach is convenient to CCBC Cantonsville, Coppin State University, and Howard Community College. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 48.
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.