2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Columbia, SC vs Sarasota, FL

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Highlights
Are people in Sarasota older or younger than people in Columbia?
- The Median Age in Sarasota is 20.8 years older than in Columbia.

Are housing costs cheaper in Sarasota or Columbia?
- Sarasota housing costs are 122.5% more expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Sarasota or Columbia?
- The average commute for residents of Sarasota is 5.2 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 Sarasota?
Sarasota, Florida is a vibrant and inviting city located on the west coast of the Sunshine State. With its beautiful beaches and palm trees, Sarasota offers plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up some sun. Visitors can explore the area's unique culture with a visit to one of its many local attractions, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a hike or bike ride through one of the many trails or parks around town. Plus, with its convenient location close to major cities like Tampa and St. Petersburg, visitors have easy access for a day trip if desired. With so much to offer, it's no wonder why Sarasota remains a popular destination year-round!

 Columbia, SCSarasota, FLUnited States
 Population  Unlock53,786329,725,481
 Median Income$48,791  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock4938.4
 Avg. Home Price$204,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.6%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 Sarasota    105 Reviews

Sarasota is my home from birth but those of us who have lived here long enough to have seen the devolution of what was once an easy to navigate, clean, low crime beach  More

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Starting to love Sarasota: Wife and I moved to Osprey- a small suburb between Sarasota and Venice. We're about 13 miles to downtown Sarasota, so not "city dwellers".   More

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As always, anyone considering moving to anyplace new, including Sarasota, needs to come down and spend a month or two before actually moving here. The city is overrun  More

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