2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Olympia, WA vs Columbia, SC

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Highlights
Are people in Columbia older or younger than people in Olympia?
- The Median Age in Columbia is 10.2 years younger than in Olympia.

Are housing costs cheaper in Columbia or Olympia?
- Columbia housing costs are 56.8% less expensive than Olympia housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Columbia or Olympia?
- The average commute for residents of Columbia is 5.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Olympia.

Things to do in Olympia?
Olympia, Washington is a scenic city located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Home to the majestic Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound, Olympia offers an unrivaled combination of urban amenities and spectacular natural beauty. Visitors can explore its vibrant downtown district with its numerous shops, galleries and restaurants or spend time outdoors enjoying activities like fishing, hiking, kayaking and bird watching. With a thriving arts community, diverse population and welcoming atmosphere, Olympia is a great place to visit or call home!

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.

 Olympia, WAColumbia, SCUnited States
 Population  Unlock137,276329,725,481
 Median Income$67,975  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$472,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.48  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Olympia    39 Reviews

We moved here from Kitsap Bremerton/Silverdale WA area and this beats it all the way in all material ways. The only reason not to give it 5 stars is the cost of  More

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Over 4 years ago

The city is horrible. The business have been chased out by homeless. The city government makes it for difficult for businesses to thrive. If you like what Seattle is  More

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Having lived all over the world we decided to retire in Olympia and live on the Puget Sound. Yes it rains but the weather can change dramatically in a day with sun 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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