Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD from $400 (18 Rentals)

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Park View at Columbia
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Park View at Columbia

7070 Cradlerock WayColumbia, MD 21045
Senior Living

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.

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Forest Ridge
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Forest Ridge

5890 Stevens Forest RdColumbia, MD 21045
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Waverly Winds
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Waverly Winds

10339 Twin Rivers RdColumbia, MD 21044

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.

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Morningside Park
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Morningside Park

9950 Guilford RdJessup, MD 20794
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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9078 Washington Street
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

9078 Washington Street

9078 Washington StSavage, MD 20763
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Park View at Laurel
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park View at Laurel

9895 Palace Hall DrLaurel, MD 20723
Senior Living

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.

Columbia, MD Local Guide

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, MD is a 1 Bed unit found at Monarch Mills Apartments in the Jones Station neighborhood priced from $1,390. The Seasons in the Jones Station neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,409. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Monarch Mills ApartmentsLantana - 62+1BR,1BA$1,390
The SeasonsSunflower1BR,1BA$1,409
Aspen at Lake Trail1 BR 1 BA JR1BR,1BA$1,490
The Bluffs at Clary's Forest ApartmentsOne bedroom1BR,1BA$1,521
Columbia Landing Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,528

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD

As of October 31, 2025 the best value apartment in the Columbia area is the $1.16 price per square foot Three Bedroom Model at Robinson Overlook in the in the Patuxent Chase neighborhood starting from $1,616. The second greatest value Columbia apartment is the BBD1 - The Forge Model at Dorsey Mill starting at $2,674 with a $2.05 price per square foot in the Gatherings at Lyndwood neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Columbia apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Robinson OverlookThree Bedroom3BR,2BA$1.16
Dorsey MillBBD1 - The Forge2BR,2BA$2.05
The Greens at Columbia2BR 2BA (1060sf)2BR,2BA$1.92
Huntington SquareThe Clarington2BR,2BA$2.06
The Flats at River Mill2 Bed 2 Bath River View2BR,2BA$2.03
Columbia Landing Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.83
Country Meadows Apartments1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$2.06
Orchard Crossing Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.05
Madison at Eden BrookA21BR,1BA$2.06
Sherwood CrossingA11BR,1BA$2.08

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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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.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Beyond 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.

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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.

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Columbia, MD

Ranked #35

Among cities in Maryland for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Columbia, MD Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Columbia, MD

Walk Score®

47 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

40 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

35 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

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 $1,829.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbia Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbia Apartment is $1,389 at The Seasons.

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 $1,560 at The Seasons.

What is the most affordable Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Robinson Overlook and starts from $1,616.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.