01 · the cities
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→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→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$1,488/mo
$1,551/mo
$63/mo more than Lexington (4%)
Median home price
Median home price
$324k
$255k
$69k less than Lexington
State income tax
State income tax
4.5%
6.5%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$6,470/mo
$6,241/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
171 days
189 days
18 more than Lexington
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
1 days
27 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
19 days
2 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
60 / 100
55 / 100
5.0 pts behind Lexington
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
13 routes
10 routes
3 fewer direct routes than Lexington
Metro size
Metro size
520k metro
857k metro
Lexington has 2.2x more events per month than Columbia.
the verdict
6
Lexington
categories won
3
Columbia
categories won
Lexington wins on money and lifestyle. Columbia has the edge on weather.
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