Cheap Homes for Rent in Columbia, MD from $800 (23 Rentals)

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

property at 5909 Tamar Dr

$1,499

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,499

Total Monthly Price
$1,499

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.

property at 6027 Majors Ln

$1,695

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,695

Total Monthly Price
$1,695

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

6027 Majors Ln

ColumbiaMD21045

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.

property at 6471 Grommet Dr

$2,000

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,000

Total Monthly Price
$2,000

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Now

6471 Grommet Dr

ElkridgeMD21075
property at 8360 Montgomery Run Rd

$2,100

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,100

Total Monthly Price
$2,100

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

8360 Montgomery Run Rd, Unit D

8360 Montgomery Run Rd
IlchesterMD21043

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

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$1,228
Legacy at Cedar Lane1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,262
Monarch Mills ApartmentsLantana - 62+1BR,1BA$1,467

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD

As of July 04, 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 Ellicott City 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
Orchard Crossing Apartments2 Bedroom 2 baths + Den2BR,2BA$1.74
Huntington SquareThe Clarington2BR,2BA$2.04
Gateway Village ApartmentsThe Patterson2BR,2BA$1.90
The Flats at River Mill2 Bed 2 Bath River View2BR,2BA$2.03
Columbia Landing Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.89
Robinson Overlook1 Bedroom/1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.36
The SeasonsSunflower1BR,1BA$1.99

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia

What type of rentals are currently available in Columbia?

There are currently 117 Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD with pricing that ranges from $725 to $8,437. There are also 118 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Columbia ranging from $850 to $10,500.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Columbia?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Columbia ranges from $850 to $10,500 with an average monthly rent of $4,427.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Columbia?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Columbia range from $1,616 to $5,909, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,400 to $4,200. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $2,900 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,819.

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.

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

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

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Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

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Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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

Written by: Robin Stewart

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.