
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD from $400 (18 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Columbia.


Monarch Mills Apartments

10570 Twin Rivers Rd

5352 Fallriver Row Ct
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.

6634 Dovecote Dr

Ellicott Gardens II

Ellicott Gardens

7868 Blackbriar Way, Unit Bedroom 1
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.

Selborne House of Dorsey Hall, Senior Living

The Seasons

10217 Savoy Ct
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

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Columbia?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Columbia Studio Apartments | $1,908 | $1,709 | $2,279 | 
| Cheap Columbia 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,925 | $489 | $3,600 | 
| Cheap Columbia 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,319 | $586 | $10,000+ | 
| Cheap Columbia 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,864 | $677 | $4,431 | 
| Cheap Columbia 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,652 | $2,820 | $7,593 | 
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 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Monarch Mills Apartments | Lantana - 62+ | 1BR,1BA | $1,390 | 
| The Seasons | Sunflower | 1BR,1BA | $1,409 | 
| Aspen at Lake Trail | 1 BR 1 BA JR | 1BR,1BA | $1,490 | 
| The Bluffs at Clary's Forest Apartments | One bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,521 | 
| Columbia Landing Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Robinson Overlook | Three Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $1.16 | 
| Dorsey Mill | BBD1 - The Forge | 2BR,2BA | $2.05 | 
| The Greens at Columbia | 2BR 2BA (1060sf) | 2BR,2BA | $1.92 | 
| Huntington Square | The Clarington | 2BR,2BA | $2.06 | 
| The Flats at River Mill | 2 Bed 2 Bath River View | 2BR,2BA | $2.03 | 
| Columbia Landing Apartments | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.83 | 
| Country Meadows Apartments | 1BR/1BA | 1BR,1BA | $2.06 | 
| Orchard Crossing Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.05 | 
| Madison at Eden Brook | A2 | 1BR,1BA | $2.06 | 
| Sherwood Crossing | A1 | 1BR,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.
Read ArticleDon'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 ArticleThe 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.
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 ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
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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 LifestyleColumbia, MD
Ranked #35
Among cities in Maryland for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
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
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
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.

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.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

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.






