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

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Laurel older or younger than people in Columbia?
- The Median Age in Laurel is 7.4 years older than in Columbia.

Are housing costs cheaper in Laurel or Columbia?
- Laurel housing costs are 102.7% more expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Laurel or Columbia?
- The average commute for residents of Laurel is 19.0 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 Laurel?
Laurel, Maryland is a vibrant city located in Prince George's County and renowned for its lush parks, diverse culture, and small-town charm. It offers plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, from exploring the Patuxent River Greenway Trail to kayaking on Lake Kittamaqundi. Visitors can also explore local attractions such as the Montpelier Mansion & Gardens or shop at nearby malls such as The Mall in Columbia. With easy access to Washington D.C. and other major cities like Annapolis and Baltimore, Laurel makes an ideal destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience close to urban amenities.

 Columbia, SCLaurel, MDUnited States
 Population  Unlock29,438329,725,481
 Median Income$48,791  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$204,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.0%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

   |    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 Laurel    8 Reviews

Nice place 1200 a month 1 bedroom apartment but everything is a 10 min drive some old history good schools people get along  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Laurel as a whole is not a bad place to live. Housing is considerably cheaper than in many parts of the DC/Baltimore area. There are some nice shops and restaurants  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Laurel as a whole is not a bad place to live. Housing is considerably cheaper than in many parts of the DC/Baltimore area. There are some nice shops and restaurants  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Laurel


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.