
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD from $700 (97 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Columbia.


9583 Sea Shadow

The Vision at Parkway

The Bluffs at Clary's Forest Apartments

Columbia Commons

Monarch Mills Apartments

Harpers Forest

Clarys Crossing

The Timbers at Long Reach

Aspen at Lake Trail
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Columbia Landing Apartments

Columbia Choice Apartments

6093 Majors Ln, Unit 4J4, Unit 4J4

6003 Majors Ln, Unit 8

Autumn Crest

Autumn Town Center

The Brook At Columbia

Beech's Farm

Cedar Place

Madison at Eden Brook
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

The Greens at Columbia Apartments

5482 Cedar Ln

The Apartments at Tamar Meadow

Avalon Fairway Hills-Meadows

Total Monthly Price
Marlow

5485 Harpers Farm Rd

eaves Columbia Town Center

Orchard Crossing Apartments

Legacy at Twin Rivers

The Hamilton at Kings Place
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

Huntington Square

Total Monthly Price
10X Columbia Town Center

9629 White Acre Rd

Autumn Columbia

Total Monthly Price
Versa

Poplar Glen

Merion

Eagle Rock Apartments at Columbia

Total Monthly Price
The Westley

6071 Majors Ln
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

5484 Cedar Ln

Total Monthly Price
Juniper

Ashton Green

10360 Swift Stream Pl, Unit 4-107

10580 Cross Fox Ln

Vista Wilde Lake

10360 Swift Stream Pl, Unit 14-108

10360 Swift Stream Pl, Unit 7-105

Stonehaven Apartments

10360 Swift Stream Pl, Unit 12-107
Charm City Commute: The Best Baltimore Neighborhoods for Renting Near Top Employers
Explore the best places to live in Baltimore, from Charles Village to Fells Point, with a guide for employees of the city's major employers.
Columbia, MD Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Columbia?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Columbia Studio Apartments | $2,025 | $1,733 | $2,549 |
| Cheap Columbia 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,022 | $1,067 | $6,364 |
| Cheap Columbia 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,379 | $879 | $7,372 |
| Cheap Columbia 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,900 | $1,016 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Columbia 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,357 | $1,819 | $8,578 |
Browse Top Apartments in Columbia
See all Apartments in ColumbiaExplore Columbia
Columbia, MD Local Guide

- Columbia Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, MD is a 2 Beds unit found at Legacy at Cedar Lane in the Patuxent Chase neighborhood priced from $879. Robinson Overlook in the Patuxent Chase neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $975. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy at Cedar Lane | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $879 |
| Robinson Overlook | 1 Bedroom/1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $975 |
| Selborne House of Dorsey Hall, Senior Living | The Dogwood | 1BR,1BA | $1,075 |
| The Vision at Parkway | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,083 |
| The Bluffs at Clary's Forest Apartments | One bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,345 |
| The Seasons | Blue Spruce | 1BR,1BA | $1,395 |
| Monarch Mills Apartments | Lantana - 62+ | 1BR,1BA | $1,467 |
| The Timbers at Long Reach | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,550 |
| Harpers Forest | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,569 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD
As of May 08, 2026 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $1.53 price per square foot The Centennial Model at Dorsey Overlook in the in the Taylor Village neighborhood starting from $3,799. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the 4659 Montgomery Rd Model at 4659 Montgomery Rd starting at $1,600 with a $1.07 price per square foot in the Taylor Village neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Columbia apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorsey Overlook | The Centennial | 3BR,3BA | $1.53 |
| 4659 Montgomery Rd | 4659 Montgomery Rd | 1BR,1BA | $1.07 |
| The Vision at Parkway | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $1.98 |
| Ellicott Gardens | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $1.98 |
| Aspen at Lake Trail | 3 BEDROOM | 3BR,2BA | $1.86 |
| The Hamilton at Kings Place | B1 | 2BR,1BA | $1.93 |
| The Timbers at Long Reach | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.91 |
| Robinson Overlook | 1 Bedroom/1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.36 |
| Legacy at Cedar Lane | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.52 |
| The Bluffs at Clary's Forest Apartments | One bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.98 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleBeyond the Classroom: Discovering Baltimore's Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods
Baltimore Student Housing - Find your perfect rental! Explore top neighborhoods near Baltimore colleges & universities for vibrant student living.
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Columbia Overview
Apartments in Columbia are situated close to shopping, recreation, restaurants, and more. The designers of Columbia wanted to create pleasant place to live, and they certainly succeeded! The community is less hectic than Baltimore, but it is within easy driving distance to the hustle and bustle of Baltimore.
Why live in Columbia, MD?
The city was specifically planned with a noble idea in mind: to enhance the quality of life of its inhabitants, and it does just that. Apartments in Columbia are close to a wide array of working opportunities in a variety of fields. The area is host to a diverse community, and has some of the best schools in the state of Maryland. Columbia was rated #1 on Time.com's list of best places to live in the United States, and dwellers in Columbia apartments can enjoy the closeness of a small neighborhood atmosphere and a low crime rate.
Best Local Schools in Columbia, MD
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Columbia, MD Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Columbia, MD
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Columbia Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Columbia?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Columbia is at Marlow listed at $1,743.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbia Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbia Apartment is $975 at Robinson Overlook.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Columbia Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Columbia is starting from $879 at Legacy at Cedar Lane.
What is the most affordable Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Legacy at Cedar Lane and starts from $1,016.
Expert Rental Resources
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

A Baltimore Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent
Written by: Sarah Bregel
There are few cities more eclectic and diverse than Baltimore, Maryland. I should know. I've lived in various parts of Baltimore for most of my life.

Beyond the Classroom: Discovering Baltimores Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods
Written by: Sarah Bregel
Baltimore, Maryland is an incredibly vibrant town known for some amazing colleges. I had the pleasure of growing up sandwiched between a few of them.

Charm City Commute: The Best Baltimore Neighborhoods for Renting Near Top Employers
Written by: Sarah Bregel
Baltimore, Maryland may have a reputation for being crime-ridden and dirty (you really hurt us, The Wire). But honestly, as a longtime resident, I have to let you in on something: that couldn't be further from the truth.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.