2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Columbia, SC vs Albany, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Albany older or younger than people in Columbia?
- The Median Age in Albany is 8.4 years older than in Columbia.

Are housing costs cheaper in Albany or Columbia?
- Albany housing costs are 496.8% more expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Albany or Columbia?
- The average commute for residents of Albany is 16.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Columbia.

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.

Things to do in Albany?
Albany, CA is a pleasant village northeast of Berkeley featuring several spectacular spots such as Memorial Park perfect for exploring or Cerrito Creek Trail ideal for recreational activities; locals gather yearly at the remarkable Cajun & Blues Festival celebrating local culture with music and art.

 Columbia, SCAlbany, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock19,958329,725,481
 Median Income$48,791  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$204,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.18  Unlock26.38
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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Columbia

Reviews for Albany    4 Reviews

Albany is one of the best places to live not only in California but the USA. Niche 2023 has ranked Albany the number one suburb in California and is consistently in the  More

   |    Reply

Over 13 years ago

Like many places in the Bay Area, there are some mixed-race couples and gay couples in Albany. What is really striking, though, is the number of families where both  More

   |    Reply

Albany was originally built as a railroad workers' town. So the bad news is that nearly every house was originally two, or at most three, bedrooms with one bath, about  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Albany


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.