Performance
Score Breakdown
Columbia
Tigard
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tigard is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% higher compared to Columbia.
Housing costs are a major driver: Columbia's average rent is
15% higher than Tigard's.
| Metric | Columbia | Tigard | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,069 | $1,800 | +15% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $295 | $180 | +64% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,184 | $2,800 | +14% |
| Cost Index | 130 | 121 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Columbia offers 8% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Columbia delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Columbia is estimated at
$85,000 vs $55,000 in Tigard.
| Metric | Columbia | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $70,370 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $85,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,131 idx | 53,719 idx |
| Household Income | $131,490 | $108,823 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Columbia | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 73.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tigard has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Columbia.
For walkability, Tigard leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Columbia | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 70.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Columbia is the larger city
— approximately 1.9x the population of Tigard.
From a growth perspective, Tigard is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Columbia has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Columbia | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,315 | 56,011 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.45% | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Columbia
Advantages
Columbia was ranked the 8th safest American city in 2024 by WalletHub.
The median household income in Columbia is $131,490 (2024), significantly higher than the national average.
The city boasts an extensive network of 94 miles of pathways and 3,600 acres of open space, promoting walkability and outdoor activities.
Columbia was named Maryland's 'Happiest City' for 2026 by WalletHub, reflecting high emotional and physical well-being.
Access to high-quality healthcare is provided by the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center and other facilities.
Drawbacks
The overall cost of living in Columbia is 30% higher than the national average, primarily driven by high housing costs.
Housing expenses are 91% higher than the national average, making homeownership and renting expensive.
Columbia's overall crime rate is estimated to be 32% above the national average as of 2026, with a safety grade of C-.
Maryland's new business applications fell by 6% in 2024, indicating a slowdown in new business creation.
Major parkways like Snowden River Parkway and Broken Land Parkway experience fast-moving and congested traffic.
Tigard
Advantages
Tigard boasts a strong economy with a high number of local jobs and a short commute to major employment centers like Silicon Forest and downtown Portland.
The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with a livability score of 87 out of 100, ranking in the 99th percentile of all US cities.
Tigard provides abundant green spaces, including over 16 miles of paved trails and nearly 550 acres of parks, such as Cook Park and the Fanno Creek Trail.
Healthcare and utilities costs are lower than in most U.S. cities, contributing to overall affordability despite higher housing costs.
The public schools in Tigard are highly rated, making it a desirable location for families.
Drawbacks
Tigard has a higher overall crime rate compared to the national average, primarily driven by property crime in commercial areas.
The cost of living in Tigard is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses.
Traffic congestion on major routes like US 217 and Highway 99W can be very heavy during rush hour.
Despite public transit options, Tigard is largely car-dependent, with limited light rail access in many areas.
Some commercial corridors in Tigard can feel dated, and the city may have a less distinct community identity compared to some other suburbs.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Columbia
#5Maryland, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,069
Avg Salary
$70,370
Cost Index
130
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.45%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
82
Business
70
Tigard
#22Oregon, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
121
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
70.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
87
Business
68
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