01 · the cities
Columbia
Columbia is the South Carolina capital, USC Gamecock country, and home to one of the largest urban rivers (the Congaree) flowing right past downtown. The Saluda River outside town is a tubing destination locals swear by, and Congaree National Park's old-growth cypress is a 30-minute drive. The state museum is a sleeper good time. Slower-paced than Charleston, less touristy.
full dispatch→Lexington
Lexington is the Thoroughbred horse capital of the world, with bluegrass-fed horse farms surrounding the city in white-fenced perfection. Keeneland racetrack is one of the most beautiful in the world. The bourbon trail starts right here. Downtown is small but tightening up nicely with food and bars. The University of Kentucky's blue bleeds through everything.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$1,551/mo
$1,488/mo
$63/mo less than Columbia (4%)
Median home price
Median home price
$255k
$324k
$69k more than Columbia
State income tax
State income tax
6.5%
4.5%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$6,241/mo
$6,470/mo
Lexington has $229/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
189 days
171 days
18 fewer than Columbia
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
27 days
1 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
2 days
19 days
days below 20°F per year
Columbia has 26 more days above 95°F each year than Lexington. Lexington drops below 20°F on 17 more days per year than Columbia.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
55 / 100
60 / 100
5.0 pts ahead of Columbia
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
10 routes
13 routes
3 more direct routes than Columbia
Metro size
Metro size
857k metro
520k metro
Columbia has 2.2x fewer events per month than Lexington.
the verdict
3
Columbia
categories won
6
Lexington
categories won
Lexington wins on money and lifestyle. Columbia has the edge on weather.
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