Performance
Score Breakdown
Coeur d’Alene
Columbia
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Coeur d’Alene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
13% lower compared to Columbia.
Housing costs are a major driver: Coeur d’Alene's average rent is
15% lower than Columbia's.
| Metric | Coeur d’Alene | Columbia | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $2,069 | -15% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $200 | $295 | -32% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,770 | $3,184 | -13% |
| Cost Index | 112 | 130 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Columbia offers 12% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Coeur d’Alene delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Coeur d’Alene is estimated at
$72,000 vs $85,000 in Columbia.
| Metric | Coeur d’Alene | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $70,370 |
| Salary Needed | $72,000 | $85,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,357 idx | 54,131 idx |
| Household Income | $72,338 | $131,490 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Coeur d’Alene | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Coeur d’Alene has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Columbia.
Columbia scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Columbia leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Coeur d’Alene | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Columbia is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Coeur d’Alene.
From a growth perspective, Coeur d’Alene 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 | Coeur d’Alene | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,785 | 107,315 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.04% | 0.45% |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 2.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Coeur d’Alene
Advantages
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities centered around Lake Coeur d'Alene and surrounding mountains
Strong and diversifying economy with significant job growth in sectors like healthcare, tourism, and technology
High quality of life and community atmosphere, often rated highly
Well-regarded healthcare system anchored by Kootenai Health
Scenic natural beauty contributing to a desirable lifestyle
Drawbacks
Housing costs, both for rent and home purchase, are significantly above the national average
Car dependency due to limited public transit and moderate walkability scores
Traffic can be a concern during peak tourist seasons
Economic reliance on tourism can lead to seasonal fluctuations
Cost of living is generally higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Coeur d’Alene
#6Idaho, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.04%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
85
Business
75
Columbia
#6Maryland, 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
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