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Typical Rent in 21046 — Columbia, MD
The typical 1-bedroom rent in 21046 (Columbia, MD) is $1,651/month as of 2026, based on 5 data sources. Rents have fallen 1.5% year over year, so an increase above 1.5% exceeds the local market trend. Studio: $1,830. 2-bedroom: $2,490.
Rents in Columbia have changed approximately -6.0% – -0.3% over the past year based on local market data. Rents are declining in this area — any increase is above the local market trend.
Estimated Rent · 1-Bedroom
$1,651/mo
Source: HUD Estimated Rent
Data through
Based on 5 independent data sources including local market trends and nearby listings.
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 1-bedroom in 21046 (Columbia, MD) is $2,030 for FY2026.
Rents in 21046 have decreased 1.5% year-over-year based on local market data.
The confidence level for this estimate is high based on 5 data sources.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Columbia (21046) is approximately 1.5% for 2026. The typical 1-bedroom rent is $1,651/month. Any increase significantly above 1.5% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Sources: local market data, HUD SAFMR FY2026, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
What Should Rent Cost in 21046 (Columbia)?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in 21046 (Columbia) typically rents for $1,830 – $2,105.
Rents above $2,421 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in 21046 (Columbia) typically rents for $2,030 – $2,192.
Rents above $2,521 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in 21046 (Columbia) typically rents for $2,490 – $2,864.
Rents above $3,294 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in 21046 (Columbia) typically rents for $3,160 – $3,634.
Rents above $4,179 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in 21046 (Columbia) typically rents for $3,500 – $4,025.
Rents above $4,629 are in the top 25% for this area.
Current Asking Rents in 21046
What are apartments actually renting for near 21046? Click below to see live asking rents from current listings.
Live market data · Updated daily
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Rent Trends in Columbia, MD
-1.5%
Rents in 21046 (Columbia) are cooling at -1.5% year-over-year.
⚠ Mixed signals
Market sources range from -6.0% to -0.3%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (-0.3%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (-1.2%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in 21046 (Columbia) right now.
Local vacancy rate: 5.6%
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Federal Rent Benchmarks for 21046
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks used for housing programs, published annually by HUD.Note: These values represent the HUD metro-area benchmark for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA area, not zip-specific rates.
| Bedroom Size | Fair Market Rent | Estimated Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,830 | $1,488 |
| 1-Bedroom | $2,030 | $1,651 |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,490 | $2,030 |
| 3-Bedroom | $3,160 | $2,577 |
| 4-Bedroom | $3,500 | $2,854 |
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Questions about rent in 21046
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in 21046?
The typical 1-bedroom rent in 21046 (Columbia, MD) is $1,651/month as of 2026. This page also shows nearby bedroom benchmarks, including studio rent at $1,830 and 2-bedroom rent at $2,490.
What is a fair rent increase in 21046?
A rent increase up to about 1.5% is in line with the recent local market trend in 21046. An increase above that level is above trend and may justify a closer review against local pricing and comparable apartments.
Are rents going up or down in 21046?
Rents in 21046 have fallen 1.5% year over year based on the local trend data used on this page.
How much do studios and 2-bedrooms cost in 21046?
On this page, studio rent in 21046 is $1,830/month and 2-bedroom rent is $2,490/month. These figures help show whether your current or proposed rent fits the broader local bedroom mix.
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Similar Rents in Other Areas
These zip codes have similar 1-bedroom rents to 21046 ($2,030/mo) — useful for comparing what your rent gets you in other markets.
Other Zip Codes in Columbia, MD
Nearby Areas
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →