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

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Highlights
Are people in Alexandria older or younger than people in Columbia?
- The Median Age in Alexandria is 8.9 years older than in Columbia.

Are housing costs cheaper in Alexandria or Columbia?
- Alexandria housing costs are 189.2% more expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Alexandria or Columbia?
- The average commute for residents of Alexandria 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 Alexandria?
Alexandria, Virginia is a vibrant city located just outside of Washington, D.C. Home to many historical and cultural attractions such as the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and the Friendship Firehouse Museum, visitors can explore history and culture when visiting Alexandria. There are also plenty of outdoor attractions such as Grist Mill Park and Jones Point Park where visitors can explore nature at its finest. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Alexandria has something for everyone!

 Columbia, SCAlexandria, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock158,185329,725,481
 Median Income$48,791  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$204,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.9%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

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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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Reviews for Alexandria    49 Reviews

Old Town Alexandria is a charming port city, with lovely historic homes, fun restaurants and sweet shops. Its easy proximity to the hustle and bustle of DC offer  More

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Alexandria is different depending on what part of it you are in. There is a huge strata of rich and poor, with a few middle class neighborhoods in between. Old town is  More

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The mailing address in this area is Alexandria, or Engleside. Either way, it's SE Fairfax County between Fort Belvoir and Mount Vernon. The neighborhood has been here  More

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