2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Columbia, SC vs Gary, IN

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

Are housing costs cheaper in Gary or Columbia?
- Gary housing costs are 61.1% less expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Gary or Columbia?
- The average commute for residents of Gary is 11.8 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 Gary?
Gary, Indiana is a vibrant city located in the Northwestern region of the United States. Home to attractions such as Marquette Park and The Steel Yard, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Gary. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Wave Foundation Art Gallery and The Lake Michigan Theatre Company.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, Gary has something for everyone!

 Columbia, SCGary, INUnited States
 Population  Unlock69,739329,725,481
 Median Income$48,791  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$204,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock13.0%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 Gary    8 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I've lived here for 5 years as a homeless gay drug addict, and I think this place is a real  More

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Over 10 years ago

Been here most of my life left and went to Air Force policies and elected residents are terrible not all there is a few that is really concerned but being that they say  More

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I lived in Gary in 1972 - 1976. I was just a kid but I loved Gary. My family moved to upstate NY and after college I moved to San Francisco, Ca. I will tell you this, I  More

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