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Relocators rarely weigh one place in isolation. Pick two or three MapsToIt cities and review income, housing, safety, and climate side by side against U.S. baselines.
Side-by-side: Charleston, SC vs Columbia, SC
Figures are for incorporated city limits unless noted. Crime rates are citywide and can hide neighborhood variation — see methodology.
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Columbia, SC | U.S. baseline | Context / gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 152,014 | 137,300 | N/A | City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $90,038 | $48,200 | $78,538 | 15% above national average · relatively higher |
| Median home value | $469,100 | $220,000 | $303,400 | 55% above national average |
| Median rent | $1,632 | $1,100 | $1,348 | 21% above national average |
| Housing cost index | 138 | 90 | 100 | 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 3.5% | 4.2% | County LAUS rate, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 24 min | 22 min | 25 min | Near national average |
| Violent crime rate | 373.2 / 100k | 62 / 100k | 602.7 / 100k | Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Property crime rate | 2259.6 / 100k | 68 / 100k | 3084.9 / 100k | Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Sunny days | 263 days | 220 days | 266 days | Near national average |
| Summer high | 86°F | 92°F | 87°F | NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 46°F | 34°F | 34°F | NOAA normals · nearest station |
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