A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Columbia for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Columbia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Columbia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Atlanta and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Columbia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta than Columbia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Atlanta is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also home to the Georgia Aquarium. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Atlanta different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia and Atlanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Columbia?

Atlanta is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Atlanta are among the most recognizable in the world. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Atlanta or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Columbia?

Atlanta is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Atlanta or Columbia Better for Families?

Atlanta is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Atlanta is a very kid-friendly city. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Atlanta or Columbia Better for Couples?

Atlanta is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Atlanta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Atlanta or Columbia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a popular place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Atlanta or Columbia Better for Students?

Atlanta is a well-known place for students. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Is Atlanta or Columbia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta and Columbia both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Atlanta or Columbia a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Atlanta or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Atlanta than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

Families should spend more time in Atlanta than Columbia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Atlanta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Atlanta than Columbia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Atlanta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Columbia if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Columbia?

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Columbia, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Atlanta or Columbia?

Atlanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlanta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Columbia, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbia has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Columbia?

Atlanta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbia is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Columbia?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Columbia. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Columbia, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta than you might in Columbia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlanta Expensive? and Is Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Columbia?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Columbia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Columbia?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the summer, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun.

Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Columbia. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Columbia. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia because of the shopping scene.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 66°F (19°C) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Columbia. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

In the winter, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlanta in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Columbia. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In April, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 65°F (18°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Columbia. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Atlanta