Cheap Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD from $300 (16 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

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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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

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

property at 4688 Woodland Rd

4688 Woodland Rd

Ellicott CityMD21042
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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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Park View at Laurel
1 Bedroom Apartments

Park View at Laurel

9895 Palace Hall DrLaurel, MD 20723
Senior Living

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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The Seasons
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Seasons

9220 Old Lantern WayLaurel, MD 20723

Columbia, MD Local Guide

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Written By:
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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 Selborne House of Dorsey Hall, Senior Living in the Taylor Village neighborhood priced from $1,075. The Seasons in the Jones Station neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,355. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Columbia apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Selborne House of Dorsey Hall, Senior Living1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,075
The SeasonsMarigold1BR,1BA$1,355
Monarch Mills ApartmentsLantana1BR,1BA$1,390
Columbia Pointe1 BR 1 BA JR1BR,1BA$1,399
Columbia Landing Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,457

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD

As of July 25, 2025 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 Covington Model at The Elms at Montjoy starting at $2,349 with a $2.02 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
The Elms at MontjoyCovington2BR,2BA$2.02
Eagle Rock Apartments at ColumbiaB2 - 2X22BR,2BA$1.98
Huntington SquareThe Clarington2BR,2BA$1.97
Autumn Crest2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$1.65
Columbia Landing Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.84
The Flats at River Mill1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.85
Sherwood CrossingA1D1BR,1BA$2.04
The Timbers at Long Reach1 Bedroom, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.85
Selborne House of Dorsey Hall, Senior Living1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.85

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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 #24

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!

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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

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Columbia Apartment is $1,075 at Selborne House of Dorsey Hall, Senior Living.

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 $1,275 at Selborne House of Dorsey Hall, Senior Living.

What is the most affordable Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Columbia Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Columbia Pointe and starts from $2,205.

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.

decorative image for A Baltimore Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent article

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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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.