2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ocean Shores, WA vs Columbia, SC

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Highlights
Are people in Columbia older or younger than people in Ocean Shores?
- The Median Age in Columbia is 34.9 years younger than in Ocean Shores.

Are housing costs cheaper in Columbia or Ocean Shores?
- Columbia housing costs are 41.3% less expensive than Ocean Shores housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Columbia or Ocean Shores?
- The average commute for residents of Columbia is 10.7 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Ocean Shores.

Things to do in Ocean Shores?
Living in Ocean Shores, WA is a truly unique experience. Located on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, Ocean Shores offers miles of beautiful sandy beaches, lush coastal forests, and quaint towns and villages. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as beachcombing, bird watching, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and more. In addition to its natural beauty, the city is home to an array of charming restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries that make it a favorite destination for visitors from near and far. It's also a great place to raise a family with its low crime rate and excellent schools. All told, living in Ocean Shores is a wonderful way to experience all of the beauty this state has to offer while living within a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

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.

 Ocean Shores, WAColumbia, SCUnited States
 Population  Unlock137,276329,725,481
 Median Income$52,255  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$347,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.84  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ocean Shores    7 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

We are going on our 3rd year in OS. We love the small town feel, the low stress and feeling of safety. This is all for the winter months mind you. In the summer, it is a  More

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Over 10 years ago

Wonderful beach town.... we're going into our second year and I disagree with the grocery store comments and the weather. Yes, it rains or drizzles on occasion, but the  More

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We invested in Ocean Shores as a second home to spend our weekends after the work week stress. I'm also a property manager that works in Washington, Oregon and  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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