Arlington, VA vs Columbia, MD: Cost of Living Comparison
Columbia has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Columbia | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 133 | Columbia |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 138 ($1,399) | Columbia |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 173 ($709) | Columbia |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 119 ($248) | Columbia |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 119 ($179) | Columbia |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 123 ($59,510) | Arlington |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington, VA or Columbia, MD cheaper to live in?
Columbia, MD is cheaper overall by about 57 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Columbia, MD: 133; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Columbia, MD?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $46,550/year in Columbia, MD to cover basic living costs.