Columbia, SC vs Plano, TX
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Columbia
73.8
#670 nationally
Plano
72.6
#865 nationally
Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $54,095). Columbia leads in average commute (17.4 min vs 27.6 min). Plano leads in walk score (39 vs 35).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Plano, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.8 (#670) | 72.6 (#865) |
| Population | 142,416 | 287,339 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $230,662 | $499,723 |
| Median Household Income | $54,095 | $99,936 |
| Average Commute | 17.4 min | 27.6 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 21.1 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 107 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+33.5 | R+11.2 |
C
73.8 Score
Columbia, SC
Mid-size South Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$230,662
Population
142,416
Crime
High
Walk Score
35
Southeast
View Columbia, SC →
C-
72.6 Score
Plano, TX
Corporate opportunity meets family-friendly living
Median Home
$499,723
Population
287,339
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Plano, TX →