2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salem, SC vs Columbia, SC

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Highlights
Are people in Columbia older or younger than people in Salem?
- The Median Age in Columbia is 12.2 years younger than in Salem.

Are housing costs cheaper in Columbia or Salem?
- Columbia housing costs are 57.8% less expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Columbia or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of Columbia is 9.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Salem.

Things to do in Salem?
Living in Salem, SC is a great experience. The town offers plenty of activities and amenities to keep you entertained throughout the year. From the historic district downtown, to nearby parks and lakes, there is always something to do. The community provides a feeling of safety, as well as an abundance of shopping and dining opportunities. The schools are also excellent, with some of the best college preparatory programs available in the area. Additionally, Salem boasts beautiful scenery with lush green fields, picturesque mountains, and winding rivers all around. With its rich history and culture, Salem makes it a great place to live.

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.

 Salem, SCColumbia, SCUnited States
 Population  Unlock137,276329,725,481
 Median Income$54,000  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$483,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.56  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Salem    2 Reviews

Absolutely one of the most beautiful places to live m. Come check it  More

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Over 7 years ago

I lived in the general Salem area for a year and a half. Being a "Yankee" I was treated with either indifference or outright hostility. Things I liked were little  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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