Cost of Living in Columbia, PA
Population 10,217 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Columbia sits on the smaller end of the Pennsylvania city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Columbia is about 50 miles north of Baltimore, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Baltimore's $219,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Columbia
The median home value in Columbia is $174,200 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,064/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,271/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 63.8°F and lows of 42.8°F. Overall, Columbia has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 42 | 52 | 64 | 74 | 82 | 86 | 85 | 78 | 66 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 22 | 23 | 31 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 65 | 63 | 56 | 44 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 2.59 | 2.20 | 3.33 | 3.34 | 3.44 | 4.78 | 4.20 | 3.52 | 4.69 | 3.78 | 3.06 | 3.13 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Columbia, PA?
Columbia has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.
What is average rent in Columbia, PA?
The median gross rent in Columbia is $1,064 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia is $174,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia is $52,271 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Columbia, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Columbia is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Columbia, PA affordable?
Yes, Columbia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Columbia?
Columbia has average high temperatures of 63.8°F and average lows of 42.8°F. Annual precipitation is 42.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Columbia at a Glance
- Population
- 10,217
- Median Income
- $52,271
- Home Value
- $174,200
- Median Rent
- $1,064/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Pennsylvania Rankings
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