Market Overview
Arlington's median sold price is $730K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Columbia is at $485K and 23 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Arlington is pricier ($730K median vs $485K), a difference of about $245K. Columbia moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 37 in Arlington. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Arlington
VA
Columbia
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$730K
$485K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
37 days
23 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$200K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Columbia has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Columbia, Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. See Arlington schools | See Columbia schools
Arlington
VA
Columbia
MD
Avg Pass Rate
89%
87%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Wilde Lake High School, Atholton High School, Hammond High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Columbia (I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175).
Arlington
VA
Columbia
MD
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175, Rt 32
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $730K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,394/yr in property tax. In Columbia, a $485K home costs ~$4,918/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Columbia
MD
Rate per $100
$1.013
$1.014
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,394/yr
$4,918/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Howard County rate
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 35 in Columbia. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Columbia (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Wilde Lake score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Columbia
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
18
Bike Score
72
42
Safety
Columbia is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 18% below Virginia average. Arlington is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Arlington
VA
Columbia
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
1/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
18% below Virginia average
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Columbia more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median sold price of $485K, compared to $730K in Arlington (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Columbia prices range from $200K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Columbia?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Columbia has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Columbia, Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Columbia?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Columbia has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Columbia?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,394/yr on a $730K home). Columbia's rate is $1.014 per $100 (~$4,918/yr on a $485K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Arlington and Columbia compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Columbia is a master-planned community in Howard County, known for its village system, lakefront living, and area schools. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated August 2026.