01 · the cities
Naples
Naples brings wealthy retirees to the Gulf coast for genuinely some of the prettiest beaches in Florida, and the sunsets at the pier are a community ritual (everyone gathers, no one talks). The downtown along Fifth Avenue is pastel and breezy. Mercato has the upscale restaurants. The Everglades' western edge starts just south of town. Affluent, sunny, and quieter than the east-coast Florida cities.
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
$2,719/mo
$1,551/mo
$1,168/mo less than Naples (75%)
Median home price
Median home price
$679k
$255k
$424k less than Naples
State income tax
State income tax
0%
6.5%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$5,614/mo
$6,241/mo
Columbia has $627/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
261 days
189 days
72 fewer than Naples
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
0 days
27 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
0 days
2 days
days below 20°F per year
Columbia has 27 more days above 95°F each year than Naples.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
58 / 100
55 / 100
3.0 pts behind Naples
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
34 routes
10 routes
24 fewer direct routes than Naples
Metro size
Metro size
404k metro
857k metro
the verdict
5
Naples
categories won
3
Columbia
categories won
Naples wins on weather and lifestyle. Columbia has the edge on money.
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