Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $480K), a difference of about $270K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 18 in Columbia. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Arlington
VA
Columbia
MD
Median Price
$750K
$480K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
18 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$200K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 87% in Columbia. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Columbia, families look to Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. See Arlington schools | See Columbia schools
Arlington
VA
Columbia
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
89%
87%
Top 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 $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Columbia, a $480K home costs ~$4,867/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
$7,597/yr
$4,867/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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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Columbia more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $750K in Arlington. 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.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Columbia?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 87% in Columbia. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Columbia, standout schools include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Columbia's rate is $1.014 per $100 (~$4,867/yr on a $480K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Columbia better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 consistently top-ranked schools. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. 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 March 2026.