Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD from $700 (81 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Columbia.

property at 5909 Tamar Dr

$1,550

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,550
Total Monthly Price
$1,550

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

5909 Tamar Dr, Unit 5909 Tamar Dr

5909 Tamar Dr
ColumbiaMD21045

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.

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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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Marlow
Rent Specials
$1,789 - $5,470
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Total Monthly Price

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$1,789 - $5,470
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Marlow

6200 Valencia LnColumbia, MD 21044
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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.

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The Westley
$1,972 - $3,754
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Total Monthly Price

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$1,972 - $3,754
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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Westley

10000 Town Center AveColumbia, MD 21044
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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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Versa
$1,987 - $12,134
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Total Monthly Price

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$1,987 - $12,134
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Versa

10101 Twin Rivers RdColumbia, MD 21044
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Juniper
$2,021 - $4,003
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Total Monthly Price

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$2,021 - $4,003
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Juniper

6000 Merriweather DrColumbia, MD 21044
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Park View at Columbia
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Park View at Columbia

7070 Cradlerock WayColumbia, MD 21045
Senior Living
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Waverly Winds
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Waverly Winds

10339 Twin Rivers RdColumbia, MD 21044

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

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Columbia, MD Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Available Columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Columbia, MD is a 1 Bed unit found at Robinson Overlook in the Patuxent Chase neighborhood priced from $975. Selborne House of Dorsey Hall, Senior Living in the Taylor Village neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,075. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Robinson Overlook1 Bedroom/1 Bath1BR,1BA$975
Selborne House of Dorsey Hall, Senior LivingThe Dogwood1BR,1BA$1,075
The SeasonsBlue Spruce1BR,1BA$1,229
Legacy at Cedar Lane1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,262
The Vision at Parkway1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,312
Monarch Mills ApartmentsLantana - 62+1BR,1BA$1,467
Aspen at Lake Trail1 BEDROOM JR1BR,1BA$1,560
Columbia Landing Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,575
Elms Kendall RidgeA11BR,1BA$1,611

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD

As of June 22, 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Dorsey OverlookThe Centennial3BR,3BA$1.53
4659 Montgomery Rd4659 Montgomery Rd1BR,1BA$1.07
Ellicott Gardens3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$1.98
Columbia Glade2 Bedroom 1049 SqFt2BR,1.5BA$1.87
The Flats at River Mill2 Bed 2 Bath River View2BR,2BA$2.03
Columbia Landing Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.89
The SeasonsGardenia2BR,1.5BA$1.99
Country Meadows Apartments1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$2.06
Robinson Overlook1 Bedroom/1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.36
Legacy at Cedar Lane1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.84

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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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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Real 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.

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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.

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Columbia, MD

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

Explore Columbia, MD Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Columbia, MD

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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 Juniper listed at $2,107.

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 $1,411 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 Robinson Overlook and starts from $1,616.

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

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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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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.

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Charm City Commute: The Best Baltimore Neighborhoods for Renting Near Top Employers

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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.

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Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

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Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.