2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Monterey, CA vs Columbia, SC

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Highlights
Are people in Columbia older or younger than people in Monterey?
- The Median Age in Columbia is 9.2 years younger than in Monterey.

Are housing costs cheaper in Columbia or Monterey?
- Columbia housing costs are 80.0% less expensive than Monterey housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Columbia or Monterey?
- The average commute for residents of Columbia is 0.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Monterey.

Things to do in Monterey?
Monterey, CA is an iconic beach city located on the Monterey Peninsula of California's central coast. This picturesque coastal community offers stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, fabulous restaurants and galleries, plus numerous other recreational activities.

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.

 Monterey, CAColumbia, SCUnited States
 Population  Unlock137,276329,725,481
 Median Income$85,365  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,022,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.25  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Monterey    21 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

The Monterey city area is an excellent place to live and one of the few California locales where it's relatively safe to raise a family. If I could no longer live here I  More

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I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and had to leave to climb out of poverty. The median income is $35,000 and outside of the military, the jobs are mostly service  More

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My husband and I are just crazy about Monterey. I wonder if we take housing expenses (mortgage or rent) out of the picture, is Monterey still a very expensive city to  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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