2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Princeton, NJ vs Columbia, MD

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Columbia or is it cheaper to live in Princeton?
- Columbia is 22.3% more expensive than Princeton.

Which city has more affordable housing, Columbia or Princeton?
- Columbia housing costs are 40.7% less expensive than Princeton housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Princeton or is Health Care more affordable in Columbia.
- Health related expenses are 11.2% less in Columbia.
 Princeton, NJColumbia, MDUnited States
 Overall  Unlock127.9100
 Food & Groceries115.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock86.5100
 Housing241.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$441,800$338,100
 Utilities114  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock107.9100
 Miscellaneous125.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Princeton    5 Reviews

Many cities have colleges in them, but Princeton's character and quality of life are very deeply influenced by having such an outstanding school contributing to all  More

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Over 16 years ago

police are very quick to respond and resolve crime problems. very safe place to live. when you feel safe, all other issues are  More

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You'll never lose on a real estate investment in Princeton. It has that cache that people always desire. McCarter Theatre, University concerts, fine dining, great  More

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Reviews for Columbia    28 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

Lived here for a while, beautiful opportunities, pays well, overall nice  More

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Been here 30 years was great at first but once they added a transit bus from baltimore to columbia 15-18 years ago that was the beginning of the end. And about 5 years  More

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Columbia can be described in one word: unequal. The neighborhood I live in, River Hill, is jam-packed with almost million-dollar homes, while the neighborhoods of Long  More

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