Living in Columbia, Maryland can be quite costly. Housing costs in the city are 139% higher than the national average, while utility prices are 5% higher. Transportation expenses, such as bus tickets and gas prices, are 1% higher than the national average. The median household income and housing affordability ratios range from approximately 1.0 in the least expensive cities to more than 10.0 in the most expensive markets.
Out-of-pocket health care costs and insurance premiums, assuming at least a basic level of health insurance coverage, are much lower than on average across the country, but are in line with those in Maryland as a whole. In conclusion, Columbia is an expensive place to live. The cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, and even higher than other parts of Maryland. If you're looking for a more affordable place to live, you may want to consider other cities or towns in the state.
