Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are derived from the mesoderm and have the self‑renewal capacity and multi‑directional differentiation potential of adult stem cells. Stem cells from different sources have different molecular and growth characteristics; therefore, the mechanisms and effects of stem cell‑mediated repair and tissue regeneration may be different. The aim of the present study was to compare the biological characteristics of MSCs derived from the umbilical cord (UC‑MSCs) and MSCs derived from the decidua parietalis (DP‑MSCs), and to provide new evidence for the selection of seed cells in regenerative medicine. Growth curves, cell doubling times, colony formation rates, immunophenotypes, differentiation capacities and secretion‑factor levels of MSCs derived from the two sources were analysed. UC‑MSCs and DP‑MSCs exhibited similar properties with regards to morphology, spiral growth, immunophenotype, and potential to differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes. For each cell type, the positive rates of the cell surface markers CD73, CD90 and CD105 were >95%, whereas CD34 and CD45 positive rates were <1%. Analyses of in vitro growth kinetics revealed shorter cell‑doubling times, and higher proliferative rates and colony formation rates of UC‑MSCs compared with DP‑MSCs (P<0.05). The concentration of basic fibroblast growth factor in the supernatant from UC‑MSCs was higher compared with that from DP‑MSCs (P<0.05). However, UC‑MSC supernatants exhibited lower levels of of keratinocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and stem cell factor compared with DP‑MSCs (P<0.05). In conclusion, in vitro characterization of MSCs from these tissue sources revealed a number of common biological properties. However, the results also demonstrated clear biological distinctions and suggested that UC‑MSCs may have more effective application prospects.