Cheapest Neighborhoods in Columbia, MD

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Kings Contrivance, Oakland Mills, and Long Reach. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 29, 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

When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Kings Contrivance. The average rent is $1,786, compared to the city average of $1,919. Rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Kings Contrivance is convenient to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, UMBC, and Howard Community College.

Oakland Mills

Average Rent

$1,902/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

Units Available

43 Rentals

Oakland Mills is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,902. Compare this to the city average of $1,919. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.2%. Oakland Mills provides easy access to Bwi Airport, CCBC Cantonsville, and Browns Bridge Recreation Area.

Long Reach

Average Rent

$1,972/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.6%

Units Available

45 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Long Reach might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,972, while the city’s average stands at $1,919. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.6%. Long Reach is near Columbia Crossing, Banneker Planetarium, and Bwi Business District.

Harper's Choice

Average Rent

$1,975/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.2%

Units Available

79 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 $1,975 while the city average is $1,919. This is a 2.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Dorsey, Coppin State University, and Harper's Choice Village Center.

Hickory Ridge

Average Rent

$2,041/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.6%

Units Available

157 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Hickory Ridge. The average rent is $2,041, compared to the city average of $1,919. Rent prices have increased by 1.6%. Hickory Ridge is convenient to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Howard Community College, and Hickory Ridge.

Fairway Hills

Average Rent

$2,070/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.2%

Units Available

28 Rentals

Fairway Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $2,070. Compare this to the city average of $1,919. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 5.2%. Fairway Hills provides easy access to UMBC, Clark's Elioak Farm, and Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy.

Wilde Lake

Average Rent

$2,161/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.9%

Units Available

57 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Columbia, Wilde Lake might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,161, while the city’s average stands at $1,919. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.9%. Wilde Lake is near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Clark's Elioak Farm, and Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy.

Downtown Columbia

Average Rent

$2,414/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.5%

Units Available

206 Rentals

Downtown Columbia is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Columbia is $2,414 while the city average is $1,919. This is a 3.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to UMBC, Howard Community College, and Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum.

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.