Living in Greenville, SC vs. Columbus, GA

Southern cities are getting hot – and not just in the summer! In fact, in 2023, more people were moving to the South than anywhere else in America, for better homeowner rates, exciting career opportunities, and most importantly … the best fried chicken and barbecue you’ll have in your life. 

If you’re considering a move to the South, you’ll need to determine which city is the best fit for you and your family. 

We’d like to highlight two amazing mid-sized cities in the South – Columbus, Georgia and Greenville, South Carolina – that are experiencing exciting growth and development. 

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about living in Greenville, South Carolina vs. living in Columbus, Georgia, including deciding which city is right for you. Let’s dive in!  

Why Columbus, GA or Greenville, SC? 

Greenville, South Carolina has a population of just over 72,000 and is located near the famous Blue Ridge Mountains. The city has historic roots in the textile industry, but it is currently growing as a tech hub. In fact, South Carolina recently received a federal grant of $45 million that solidifies its status as one of 12 tech hubs in the country! 

Columbus, Georgia is a bit further south than Greenville and is located alongside the beautiful Chattahoochee River. With just over 200,000 residents, Columbus is the second-largest city in Georgia. If you choose to move to Columbus, you’ll find a thriving job market, plenty of activities, and best of all, a tight-knit, welcoming community. This “big-small-town” feel is exactly why so many young professionals and growing families are choosing to call Columbus home. 

With both cities on the rise, how do you decide which one is the best fit for you? To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compared key factors like cost of living, climate, culture, and more—so you can decide which city best aligns with your unique goals, career, and lifestyle. 

Cost of living in Columbus, GA vs. Greenville, SC 

Both Greenville and Columbus are affordable cities and have a cost of living below the national average. 

Columbus: 7% under the national average 

The cost of living in Columbus, GA is low, at 7% below the national average. You’ll find affordable rentals and homes in Columbus—it’s 22% cheaper on average than in other states, making this a great city for young professionals and growing families alike. The median home price is $381,066.  

Utilities and groceries are even cheaper in Columbus than in Greenville. When paying for these necessities, the utilities will be 13% lower than the national average and the groceries will be 4% lower than the national average. 

Greenville: 10% below the national average 

The cost of living in Greenville, SC is pretty affordable compared to most cities in America. The overall cost of living is 10% below the national average. Housing is also affordable in Greenville. The typical cost is 28% below the national average, with the average rent coming in at $1,420 a month and the average home price at $326,694.  

The utilities, similarly, fall under the national average by 10%. You could even save a bit on groceries—the cost is 2% lower than the national average. 

Career opportunities in Columbus, GA vs. Greenville, SC  

Whether you’re looking for an entry-level job or your next executive role, professional opportunities are one of the most important things to consider when choosing a new city to live in. Here’s what you need to know about your job prospects in Greenville and Columbus. 

Columbus: Best for military, education, and healthcare  

Columbus, GA is a bit larger than Greenville, SC, offering even more diverse career opportunities without the overwhelming hustle of a big city like Atlanta. This makes Columbus the perfect middle ground for those seeking a vibrant job market and a warm community feel. 

Columbus’ major employers include Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), one of the nation’s largest military installations, as well as top organizations like Aflac, St. Francis-Emory Healthcare, and financial tech leader TSYS. The city’s robust military presence fuels job growth and supports a strong healthcare sector, while the Muscogee County School District and several higher education institutions make Columbus a hub for educational opportunities.  

With a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of professional opportunities, Columbus offers the benefits of a thriving job market along with the personal connections and accessibility typically found in smaller cities. 

Learn more about Columbus here: Is Columbus, Georgia a good place to live? 

Greenville: Best for manufacturing, logistics, and tech 

Greenville’s top industries include manufacturing, distribution and logistics, and technology. The city is home to major employers like Michelin and Lockheed Martin, who specialize in automotive and aerospace production.  

Greenville’s strategic location along major transportation routes also makes it a hub for logistics and distribution, with easy access to major cities like Atlanta and Charlotte. Additionally, with the support of local universities, the tech sector is rapidly growing with a focus on AI and cybersecurity, making Greenville an attractive place for tech professionals. 

There are also opportunities in education and healthcare— Greenville’s largest employers include Clemson University, Prisma Health, and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System.  

Climate in Columbus, GA vs. Greenville, SC 

While Greenville and Columbus share a similar climate overall, Columbus offers slightly warmer weather year-round. Both cities have mild winters and a rainy summer season, but Columbus has longer, sunnier summers and less chance of snow—perfect for those who prefer sunshine over snowflakes. 

Columbus: Long summers and pleasant winters  

If you’re looking for pleasant weather year-round — Columbus could be right for you! Columbus’ summers are long and you may experience warmer temperatures from March to October. In the summer, the Chattahoochee River provides the perfect escape for even higher temperatures, with Columbus’ average temperature ranging from 70-94. In the winter, it can drop as low as 38-64°. 

As far as rain goes, Columbus has a similar wet season as Greenville from May to August. There’s only a slightly smaller chance they will get the same amount of rainfall (32%). 

Greenville: Rainy summers and occasional snow  

During Greenville’s winter holiday, the average temperature ranges from 35-59° F. In the summer, temperatures range from 71-82°. Greenville also has a particularly wet season from May to August. During this time, there’s a 34% chance that they will get at least .04 inches of rainfall.  

What’s most notable about Greenville versus Columbus is sometimes Greenville sees snow in the winter!  

Outdoor activities in Columbus, GA vs. Greenville, SC  

Both Greenville, SC and Columbus, GA offer an abundance of outdoor activities, but the terrain and experiences differ significantly between the two cities. Whether you prefer hiking through mountain trails or enjoy water sports along the river, each city has its own unique appeal for nature lovers. 

Columbus: Best for water sports and nature walks 

Columbus offers an abundance of outdoor activities, thanks to its location alongside the Chattahoochee River. After work and on the weekends you’ll often find locals at the Chattahoochee RiverWalk, a 15-mile pathway perfect for running, biking, and long strolls with family and friends.  

Residents also love Columbus’ Dragonfly Trail, an abandoned railroad track that’s been transformed into a cool urban walking trail. 

For the more adventurous souls, you can hike, run, or even mountain bike on Columbus’ Standing Boy Trails, a large patch of nature along the Chattahoochee River in north Columbus. If you love spending time on the water, the RushSouth Whitewater Park on the Chattahoochee River is the longest urban whitewater rafting in the world 

Greenville: Best for hiking in the mountains  

One of the most popular outdoor activities in the Greenville area is hiking in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Looking Glass Falls is a popular hike in western North Carolina or Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains atop Mt. Pisgah.  

Greenville also has a lot of local parks that are perfect for playing rec sports or gathering with your loved ones, like Cleveland Park alongside the Reedy River. The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a popular hiking or biking path in the city, which runs along a 30-mile road that crosses rivers and historic railroads. 

Culture and community in Columbus, GA vs. Greenville, SC

Both Greenville, SC, and Columbus, GA, boast vibrant arts and culture scenes, but each city brings its own distinct flavor to local events and community gatherings. Whether you enjoy art galleries and outdoor festivals or botanical gardens and live music, these cities have something special to offer. 

Columbus: Beautiful botanical gardens and plentiful live music 

In Columbus, you can spend your free time strolling through the beautiful Columbus Botanical Gardens by day and then attend a show at the Columbus Symphony Orchestra by night. Or, check out the Springer Opera House, a beautiful historic theater space that opened its doors in 1871 and still runs today! 

Columbus is also home to a vibrant music scene. Locals love the RushSouth Outdoor Music Festival—a two-day music festival with food, art, and even whitewater rafting. There’s also the Uptown Columbus Friday night concert series, a perfect activity to enjoy with friends after work. 

Greenville: Art galleries and abundant outdoor festivals 

In Greenville, you can enjoy plenty of arts and culture, like enjoying artwork from more than 50 artists at Art & Light Gallery. If you’re interested in learning a new craft, Greenville Center for the Creative Arts offers hands on visual arts instruction, from painting, jewelry, printmaking, and mixed media.  

Greenville frequently offers fun community activities. You can go to Moonlight Movies in Fall Park to watch a cozy movie outside or enjoy live music downtown during Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays.  

Columbus, GA or Greenville, SC: which one is right for you? 

Both of these Southeastern cities have a lot to offer, from Greenville’s scenic mountain views and mild winters to Columbus’ diverse career opportunities and vibrant music scene.  

Greenville is perfect for those who love outdoor activities like hiking and want a smaller city feel with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the other hand, Columbus comes with a thriving job market, beautiful riverfront living, and a close-knit community atmosphere. With abundant outdoor activities and a low cost of living, Columbus is an ideal choice for young professionals and families alike.  

If you’re considering making Columbus, Georgia your new home, contact us here—our team is available to answer your questions and help you get started!