City Guide
Columbia, SC
Overview
Columbia, SC is know for being the state capital of South Carolina and one of the first planned cities in the U.S. The city is home to around 104,000 people, so living in Columbia will provide the best of small-town charm and big city living. There are plenty of fascinating facts about the city, one of which is that most of Columbia burned to the ground during the Civil War. Columbia is also known as the "Soda City" by locals, but not because any soda was invented or manufactured there. Instead, the nickname comes from an old abbreviation of Columbia to "Cola."
What’s it like to live in Columbia, SC ?
Explore our Columbia housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over
the years and how Columbia home prices compare to other markets. Explore our Columbia rental market trends page for insights about how rental prices have changed and how Columbia rental prices compare to other rental markets. If you're curious about the most valuable home features in Columbia, or looking for a new home improvement project,
discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.
Popular neighborhoods in and around Columbia
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Compete Score | Walk Score | Real Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildewood | $350,000 | 46 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Shandon | $569,950 | 71 / 100 | 75 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Northeast Columbia | $278,270 | 56 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Downtown Columbia | $399,000 | 71 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Harborside at Lake Carolina | $422,000 | -- | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
Columbia Articles & Neighborhood Content
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Popular homes for sale in Columbia
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Rental listings in Columbia
See how much rent you can affordSee all rental listings
What is the cost of living in Columbia?
The cost of living in Columbia is 10% lower than the national average. Housing is typically the largest expense for most American households. In Columbia, the average monthly rent is $1,229, while the median home price is $270,000. Overall, housing in Columbia is 39% lower than the national average. Groceries, like produce, dry goods, and other essential household items, cost 1% lower in Columbia. Though healthcare costs 18% lower in Columbia compared to the national average, costs vary greatly by location, person, personal health, and health insurance. In Columbia, an optometry check-up costs around $72.75, while a dentist appointment is $76.00 on average. Learn more about the cost of living in Columbia. Discover how utilities, transportation, and lifestyle, compares against the national average.
Compared to the national average
10%
Cost of living
39%
Home prices
Cost of living calculator
Compare cities across the U.S.
Columbia Migration & Relocation Trends
In Feb '25 - Apr '25, 33% of Columbia homebuyers searched to move out of Columbia, while 67% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.
- Across the nation, 0.30% of homebuyers searched to move into Columbia from outside metros.
- New York homebuyers searched to move into Columbia more than any other metro followed by Washington and Charlotte.
Where are people moving to Columbia from?
- 67% of Columbia homebuyers searched to stay within the Columbia metropolitan area.
- Myrtle Beach was the most popular destination among Columbia homebuyers followed by Savannah and Johnson City.
Where are people from Columbia moving to?
Number of People Moving to Columbia
least
most
People are moving to Columbia from
| Inbound | Net inflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 351 | ||
| 2 | 338 | ||
| 3 | 337 | ||
| 4 | 169 | ||
| 5 | 135 | ||
| 6 | 117 | ||
| 7 | 113 | ||
| 8 | 108 | ||
| 9 | 108 | ||
| 10 | 83 | ||
People are leaving Columbia for
| Outbound | Net outflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 53 | ||
| 2 | 8 | ||
| 3 | 6 | ||
| 4 | 5 | ||
| 5 | 4 | ||
| 6 | 4 | ||
| 7 | 3 | ||
| 8 | 3 | ||
| 9 | 3 | ||
| 10 | 2 | ||
Methodology
This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two
million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user
must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.
What is there to do in Columbia, SC ?
Columbia, SC, is home to many fun activities like watching the sunset at one of its many parks, to enjoying a bite to eat at fan-favorite restaurants. Home to many museums, make sure to check out South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, and Edventure Children's Museum. Koger Center For The Arts and Trustus Theatre are just a handful of performing arts venues that contribute to the city's rich arts and culture scene. The city is also known for its parks and green spaces like Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Earlewood Park, just to name a few. Real Mexico Restaurant Y Tienda, Inakaya Japanese Restaurant, and Henry's Restaurant and Bar are some of the numerous popular restaurants to check out while in Columbia.
Explore some of the best things to do in Columbia
What's the best way to get around Columbia, SC ?
The best way to get around Columbia is by car, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Columbia has a walk score of 35, meaning this area is car dependent. Another way to get around the city is by public transportation. Columbia has a transit score of 0, and almost all errands require a car. Most bus stations and rail stations are located in 29201. You can also get around Columbia by bike. With a bike score of 35, there is a minimal amount of infrastructure for biking.
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Columbia Transportation
Bus Station
Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.
Rail Station
Columbia has 2 heavy rail stations; Amtrak, Assembly Street Train Xing. This allows you to use heavy rail to commute in and out of the city from the surrounding area and even travel to other cities.
Tram Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Metro Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Car & Bike Rentals
Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 25 car rental locations. Renting a bike is another good way to get around. There is 1 bike rental location.
Airports
Columbia has 1 airport which allows you to easily travel.
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