Columbia, SC vs Flagstaff, AZ
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
Flagstaff
64.9
#1666 nationally
Flagstaff leads in crime level (12.7 vs 21.1). Columbia leads in cost of living index (100 vs 126). Flagstaff leads in median household income ($65,652 vs $54,095).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Flagstaff, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.8 (#670) | 64.9 (#1666) |
| Population | 142,416 | 76,586 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $230,662 | $661,291 |
| Median Household Income | $54,095 | $65,652 |
| Average Commute | 17.4 min | 15.6 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 21.1 | 12.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+33.5 | D+19.9 |
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 →
D
64.9 Score
Flagstaff, AZ
Arizona community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$661,291
Population
76,586
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
39
Southwest
View Flagstaff, AZ →