2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Fort Walton Beach, FL vs Columbia, SC

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Columbia older or younger than people in Fort Walton Beach?
- The Median Age in Columbia is 11.3 years younger than in Fort Walton Beach.

Are housing costs cheaper in Columbia or Fort Walton Beach?
- Columbia housing costs are 36.7% less expensive than Fort Walton Beach housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Columbia or Fort Walton Beach?
- The average commute for residents of Columbia is 4.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Fort Walton Beach.

Things to do in Fort Walton Beach?
Fort Walton Beach is a city in Florida that is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing weather. The local attractions include the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, the Indian Temple Mound Museum, and the Air Force Armament Museum. There are also many great restaurants, shops, and activities to enjoy.The area offers wonderful outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, and beachcombing. Fort Walton Beach boasts a vibrant nightlife with live music, dance clubs, and bars.

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.

 Fort Walton Beach, FLColumbia, SCUnited States
 Population  Unlock137,276329,725,481
 Median Income$55,623  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$322,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.13  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fort Walton Beach    10 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

Ive lived in Fort Walton for atleast 15yrs.Ive seen the good days(early to late 200's)and now the bad.If you move here,youd better make atleast $10,000 a month.These  More

   |    Reply

I would like to know if Fort Walton Beach is a better place to live rather than busy Clearwater FL. We want to re-locate to a quieter city with all the amenities of a  More

   |    Reply

FWB is great for its beautiful beaches and saltwater fishing. It's also easy to move around town except during rush hour (yes, we have a rush hour - but it literally  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Fort Walton Beach

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


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.