Compare 2 Columns, Identify Columns With Significant Overlap in Text)

I have two lists with text strings. The lists have similar content (i.e. regions, in this case), but a VLOOKUP doesn't work because the text strings don't match perfectly. For instance, one list has "Bakersfield-Delano, CA" while the other has "Bakersfield, CA".

What I'm wondering is: Is there any way to do a VLOOKUP-type action based on items that overlap, but that aren't perfect matches? Obviously, I suspect this won't be an exact science, but I'm hoping I can figure out some equation that will at least minimize any manual work.


Compare Lists Example.xlsx

I try to use Vlookup like you wrote and you are right. This function is used only when we known the right word for search in another table. When we do not know such a word the search is on the search starts from the first word in a sentence, if you find a word in the table is searched considers it to be true. The only solution that I see it is to create your own search function (VBA).

Would the SEARCH function be useful here?