Columbia, MD vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison
Columbia has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Columbia | Washington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 133 | 163 | Columbia |
| Housing | 138 ($1,399) | 208 ($1,330) | Columbia |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Columbia |
| Food & groceries | 173 ($709) | 142 ($582) | Washington |
| Utilities | 119 ($248) | 154 ($374) | Columbia |
| Healthcare | 119 ($179) | 154 ($270) | Columbia |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,510) | 189 ($91,540) | Columbia |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia, MD or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Columbia, MD is cheaper overall by about 30 index points (Columbia, MD: 133, Washington, DC: 163; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Columbia, MD vs Washington, DC?
A single adult needs roughly $46,550/year in Columbia, MD and $57,050/year in Washington, DC to cover basic living costs.