2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Marion, NC vs Columbia, SC

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Highlights
Are people in Columbia older or younger than people in Marion?
- The Median Age in Columbia is 12.3 years younger than in Marion.

Are housing costs cheaper in Columbia or Marion?
- Columbia housing costs are 7.1% less expensive than Marion housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Columbia or Marion?
- The average commute for residents of Columbia is 7.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Marion.

Things to do in Marion?
Marion, NC is a wonderful place to live, with a rich culture and plenty of activities to do. The city has a variety of shops, restaurants, parks and recreational activities, ranging from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing. It has many unique attractions such as the McDowell County Historical Museum, Grandfather Mountain State Park, and the Catawba River. The town also offers a wide array of educational opportunities ranging from elementary school through college. The community is friendly and welcoming as well as safe and secure with low crime rates compared to other cities in North Carolina. There are also wonderful places for families to gather like the local farmers market or just take in some of the beautiful scenes that Marion offers.

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.

 Marion, NCColumbia, SCUnited States
 Population  Unlock137,276329,725,481
 Median Income$41,580  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$219,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.49  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Marion    1 Reviews

Before the economy went bad, I was trying to live in Marion. I called on a place to rent. The owner did not want children living in her unit. I didnt know that  More

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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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