Columbia vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbia is 74% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $927/mo vs $1,617/mo in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria — saving $8,280/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbia | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $1,069 | $425 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 | $1,302 | $531 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 | $1,617 | $690 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,178 | $1,969 | $791 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,341 | $2,300 | $959 |
| Median Income | $53,072 | $101,438 | $48,366 |
Columbia
- Studio
- $644/mo
- 1 BR
- $771/mo
- 2 BR
- $927/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,178/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,341/mo
- Median Income
- $53,072/yr
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
- Studio
- $1,069/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,302/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,617/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,969/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,300/mo
- Median Income
- $101,438/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Washington-Arlington-Alexandria cheaper to rent in?
Columbia is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $927/mo vs $1,617/mo in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria. That's $690/mo or $8,280/year more expensive in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (74% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbia vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia is $927/month. In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,617/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbia and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
The median household income in Columbia is $53,072/year. In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria it is $101,438/year. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbia vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbia is $644/mo. In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria it is $1,069/mo.