2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Columbia, SC vs Gaithersburg, MD

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Highlights
Are people in Gaithersburg older or younger than people in Columbia?
- The Median Age in Gaithersburg is 9.4 years older than in Columbia.

Are housing costs cheaper in Gaithersburg or Columbia?
- Gaithersburg housing costs are 131.0% more expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Gaithersburg or Columbia?
- The average commute for residents of Gaithersburg is 17.9 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 Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg, Maryland is a vibrant city located in the outskirts of Washington, D.C. This bustling suburb offers an abundance of activities for both visitors and locals alike. From its numerous festivals and community events to its close proximity to great shopping and dining venues, Gaithersburg has something for everyone. Residents here also get to enjoy exceptional public schools as well as some of the best parks in the area such as Cabin John Regional Park and Seneca Creek State Park. With excellent amenities, plentiful job opportunities, and unbeatable quality of life, it's no wonder why Gaithersburg is such a popular place to live!

 Columbia, SCGaithersburg, MDUnited States
 Population  Unlock68,827329,725,481
 Median Income$48,791  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$204,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.1%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 Gaithersburg    10 Reviews

We recently sold our family home of 20+ years in Potomac, MD and moved just down the road to Gaithersburg. We have nothing but good things to say about the people  More

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Over 10 years ago

The city of Gaithersburg offers all of the employment opportunities of being within commuting range of D.C. without the congestion. Homes are more affordable and you  More

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The state has the potential to be a great place to live ... but that 'Reality’ is just slipping away. The current leadership has done a really bang-up job creating so  More

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