Performance
Score Breakdown
Columbia
Al Ukhdood area
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Al Ukhdood area is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
152% higher compared to Columbia.
Housing costs are a major driver: Columbia's average rent is
510% higher than Al Ukhdood area's.
| Metric | Columbia | Al Ukhdood area | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,069 | $339 | +510% |
| Groceries | $450 | $419 | +7% |
| Utilities | $295 | $199 | +48% |
| Transport | $120 | $56 | +114% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,184 | $1,263 | +152% |
| Cost Index | 130 | 32 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Columbia offers 3963% 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 $1,723 in Al Ukhdood area.
| Metric | Columbia | Al Ukhdood area |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $70,370 | $1,732 |
| Salary Needed | $85,000 | $1,723 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,131 idx | 5,413 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Columbia | Al Ukhdood area |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Al Ukhdood area has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
14,000 minutes (233 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 | Columbia | Al Ukhdood area |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Al Ukhdood area is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Columbia.
From a growth perspective, Al Ukhdood area 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 | Al Ukhdood area |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,315 | 381,431 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.45% | 2.26% |
| Median Age | 39.4 | |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 6.10% |
| 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.
Al Ukhdood area
Advantages
Rich historical and archaeological significance with the Al-Ukhdood site as a major attraction.
Affordable cost of living compared to other cities in Saudi Arabia and globally.
Growing tourism sector with potential for heritage and cultural tourism development.
Developing industrial sector with exports to over 25 countries, supported by rich mineral resources.
Calm and safe environment, with less traffic compared to larger Saudi cities.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation infrastructure, making car ownership or rental highly recommended.
Hot desert climate, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable during warmer months.
Remote location in the southern part of Saudi Arabia, potentially leading to longer travel times.
Lower plug-and-play convenience for tourists compared to more developed tourist hubs in Saudi Arabia.
While generally safe, it is a border city, which may be a consideration for some.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Al Ukhdood area
#4Najran Region, Saudi Arabia
64.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$339
Avg Salary
$1,732
Cost Index
32
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.26%
Unemployment
6.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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