Median rent is 28% lower in Arlington ($1,470/mo vs $2,042/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $304,700 versus $497,400. Households earn more in Columbia ($131,490 vs $75,171 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.5 against 103.2 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Columbia, MD.
Quick verdict
Arlington is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 102.5 in Arlington vs 103.2 in Columbia (US average = 100)
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
Columbia, MD
How much would you need to earn in Columbia, MD to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in Columbia, MD
$75,508
You'd need $508 more (1% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Arlington
Texas
Columbia
Maryland
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Arlington — median rent of $1,470/mo versus $2,042/mo in Columbia, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Columbia: the median home is $497,400 versus $304,700 in Arlington — 39% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Columbia
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Arlington (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Columbia.
Pick Columbia if you prioritize higher median household income ($131,490/yr).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,470/mo median).
Is Arlington cheaper than Columbia?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.5 versus 103.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Columbia?
Median rent is $1,470/mo in Arlington, TX and $2,042/mo in Columbia, MD. Arlington, TX has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Columbia?
Median household income is $75,171 in Arlington, TX and $131,490 in Columbia, MD. Columbia, MD has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Columbia?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,677 in Columbia, MD (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
