Columbia, Maryland has an overall cost of living index of 102.4, which is 2.4 points above the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,998 per month, while the typical home is valued around $480,300. Households earn a median of $129,173 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$129,173
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,998
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$480,300
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
102.4
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,362
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,511
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,857
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,358
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
102.4
Goods
100.7
Rents / Housing
120.5
Services
101.8
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
5.75%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $152,120 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $92,810 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $69,080 |
| ⚡Electrician | $67,140 |
| 📊Accountant | $91,270 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
105,871
Latest estimate
Median Age
39.1 yrs
Census ACS
🌬️
AQI data not available
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Columbia?
Columbia has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 102.4. The US national average is 100, so Columbia is 2.4 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Columbia?
The median gross rent in Columbia is $1,998 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia is $129,173 per year.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia is $480,300 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Columbia?
Air quality data for Columbia is not yet available.
What are the taxes like in Columbia?
Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a statewide sales tax of 6.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology