Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbia, MD
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Columbia are Stevens Forest, The Pines, and Huntington. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Columbia, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 29, 2025, the average rent in Columbia is $1,871, which is 0.8% 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
$1,642/Month
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Stevens Forest. The average rent is $1,642, compared to the city average of $1,871. Stevens Forest is convenient to Howard Community College, Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy, and Oakland Mills. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 63.
The Pines
Average Rent
$1,672/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
The Pines is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,672. Compare this to the city average of $1,871. The Pines provides easy access to Brighton Dam's Azalea Garden, Bowie State University, and Browns Bridge Recreation Area.
Huntington
Average Rent
$1,753/Month
TransitScore® Rating
20/100
Units Available
18 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 $1,753, while the city’s average stands at $1,871. Huntington is near Fairland Regional Park, UMBC, and Columbia Market.
Kings Contrivance
Average Rent
$1,756/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
37 Rentals
Kings Contrivance is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Kings Contrivance is $1,756 while the city average is $1,871. This is a 0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, UMBC, and Dorsey. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 27.
Talbot Springs
Average Rent
$1,757/Month
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
35 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Talbot Springs. The average rent is $1,757, compared to the city average of $1,871. Talbot Springs is convenient to UMBC, Banneker Planetarium, and Clark's Elioak Farm. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 36.
Oakland Mills
Average Rent
$1,776/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.4%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
55 Rentals
Oakland Mills is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,776. Compare this to the city average of $1,871. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2.4%. Oakland Mills provides easy access to Mt Pleasant - Howard County Conservancy, Merriweather District, and UMBC. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 43.
Dickinson
Average Rent
$1,790/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 $1,790, while the city’s average stands at $1,871. Dickinson is near Maydale Conservation Park and Nature Center, Dorsey, and Clark's Elioak Farm.
Phelps Luck
Average Rent
$1,798/Month
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
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 $1,798 while the city average is $1,871. Residents enjoy convenient access to Bwi Airport, Long Reach Village Center, and Gwynns Falls - Leakin Park. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 51.
Long Reach
Average Rent
$1,854/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.6%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
38 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Columbia neighborhood on a budget, check out Long Reach. The average rent is $1,854, compared to the city average of $1,871. Rent prices have increased by 7.6%. Long Reach is convenient to UMBC, Linthicum, and Dorsey. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 48.
Harper's Choice
Average Rent
$1,875/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
40 Rentals
Harper's Choice is an affordable neighborhood in Columbia with an average rent price of $1,875. Compare this to the city average of $1,871. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.9%. Harper's Choice provides easy access to Harper's Choice Village Center, Coppin State University, and Wilde Lake. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 44.
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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.