2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Chester, VA vs Columbia, SC

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Highlights
Are people in Columbia older or younger than people in Chester?
- The Median Age in Columbia is 10.2 years younger than in Chester.

Are housing costs cheaper in Columbia or Chester?
- Columbia housing costs are 38.4% less expensive than Chester housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Columbia or Chester?
- The average commute for residents of Columbia is 8.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Chester.

Things to do in Chester?
Chester is an historic city located on the south bank of the James River near Richmond, Virginia. It has a rich history spanning centuries that includes both the Civil War and Revolutionary War eras. The city offers all sorts of attractions such as parks and museums where visitors can learn about its past or take part in outdoor recreation opportunities. There are also many delicious restaurants to enjoy while visiting Chester.

Things to do in Columbia?
Columbia, South Carolina is the state's vibrant capital city. Nestled in the Midlands area of the state, it offers plenty of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From its popular Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to its nearby lakes and rivers, there are plenty of outdoor activities available to explore. Inside the city limits, you can find museums, a bustling downtown area with restaurants and shops, great schools and universities, and more. With its colorful history and unique culture, Columbia is sure to offer something for everyone.

 Chester, VAColumbia, SCUnited States
 Population  Unlock137,276329,725,481
 Median Income$78,673  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$331,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.99  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Chester    6 Reviews

I just recently discovered a little suburb of Richmond, called Chester. Yes, it is small and not much going on in that area - but if you want a peaceful area to live -  More

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I grew up in Chester and it really isn't a bad place to live if you like living in a very populated area. It has great schools, low crime, easy access to both Richmond  More

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Chester, because of its location midway between Richmond, VA and Petersburg, VA, was once just a train station. With residential growth in affluent Chesterfield County  More

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Reviews for Columbia    50 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

I love living in Columbia! I recently graduated from USC and plan to stay. I read the reviews posted here and it shows that like many cities, your experience will depend  More

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Loved living in Columbia, SC prior to my job transfer. It's the perfect size - plenty to do, but still a laid back place. People are extremely friendly, there are  More

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Columbia is such a unique and underrated place. It has a lot of character and history, and good nature trails. Everything feels accessible (by car) and you can get from  More

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