Median rent is 40% lower in Columbia ($1,067/mo vs $1,784/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbia, where the median home runs $268,300 versus $445,100. Households earn more in Towson ($100,481 vs $64,488 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (102.4).
City A
Columbia, MO
City B
Towson, MD
How much would you need to earn in Towson, MD to maintain your standard of living from Columbia, MO?
Equivalent salary in Towson, MD
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Columbia
Missouri
Towson
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 Columbia — median rent of $1,067/mo versus $1,784/mo in Towson, a 40% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Towson: the median home is $445,100 versus $268,300 in Columbia — 40% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Missouri's top income tax rate is 4.80% versus 5.75% in Maryland, so Columbia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.22% in Missouri and 6.00% in Maryland; Columbia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Columbia
Income tax: 4.80%
Sales tax: 4.22%
Towson
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Towson if you prioritize higher median household income ($100,481/yr).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,067/mo median).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.80%).
Is Columbia cheaper than Towson?
Columbia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 102.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Columbia.
How much is rent in Columbia vs Towson?
Median rent is $1,067/mo in Columbia, MO and $1,784/mo in Towson, MD. Columbia, MO has the lower rent by about 40%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbia or Towson?
Median household income is $64,488 in Columbia, MO and $100,481 in Towson, MD. Towson, 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 — Columbia or Towson?
Missouri's top income tax rate is 4.80% and Maryland's is 5.75%. Columbia, MO has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Towson to match my Columbia income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbia, MO is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Towson, MD (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology