Ames, Iowa vs. Columbia, Maryland

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Columbia, Maryland is 31.0% more expensive than Ames, Iowa.

You would need a salary of $98,256 in Columbia, Maryland to maintain the standard of living you have in Ames, Iowa.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Columbia, Maryland is more expensive than Ames, Iowa
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
84% more expensive in Columbia
than in Ames, Iowa
Ames, IA vs. Columbia, MD
Compared to Ames, Columbia is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  31.0% higher
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  7.4% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  90.4% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  11.3% higher
  Commute
  60.6% higher
  Health
  28.4% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  25.1% higher