2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Columbia, SC vs Ruston, LA

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Highlights
Are people in Ruston older or younger than people in Columbia?
- The Median Age in Ruston is 4.1 years younger than in Columbia.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ruston or Columbia?
- Ruston housing costs are 4.4% less expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ruston or Columbia?
- The average commute for residents of Ruston is 1.0 minutes shorter 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 Ruston?
Ruston, LA Ruston is a city located in Lincoln Parish in Northwest Louisiana. Home to Louisiana Tech University, Ruston offers an array of cultural attractions from museums and art galleries to historical sites dating back to before the Civil War era. Ruston's charming downtown area provides plenty of options for dining and entertainment while its outdoor activities include golf courses, walking trails and more than 16 parks that are perfect for outdoor recreation or simply appreciating nature at its best.

 Columbia, SCRuston, LAUnited States
 Population  Unlock22,286329,725,481
 Median Income$48,791  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock24.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$204,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.7%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 Ruston    2 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Back stabbing little town you want get anywhere with out knowing people or have  More

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Very difficult to find a job here if you’re not hired by the university. When my husband got a job with the university, I didn’t think it would be so difficult for me  More

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