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.

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.