Which place is cheaper, Columbia or Baltimore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Columbia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Baltimore or Columbia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Columbia can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Baltimore or Columbia?
Baltimore
Baltimore is a large, industrial city and popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. It is about an hour outside of Washington, D.C. and is a hub of tourism and entertainment for the area. It has a vibrant nightlife, comfortable climate, and is a great place to visit when you're in the area. The city proper has a population of about 600,000 and the metropolitan area has 2.7 million. Its economy is centered around science, technology, engineering and math and it has many undergraduate and graduate schools including the world renowned Johns Hopkins University.
Columbia
Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBaltimore $181Columbia $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $181, while the average daily cost in Columbia is $0.00. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Baltimore and Columbia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBaltimore $93Columbia -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBaltimore $186Columbia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Columbia
Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Columbia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Columbia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Baltimore $21Columbia -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:
- Private Transfer from Baltimore Port to Baltimore Airport: $41
- Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $56
- Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $62
- Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $74
- BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
- Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Columbia?
Prices for flights to both Columbia and Baltimore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBaltimore $46Columbia $5.03
Typical Food prices in Baltimore
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point$76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.
- Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $73
- Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
- Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
- Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $91
- Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $91
- Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $99
- Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
- Platinum Package - Helicopter Tour with Dinner at Ruth's Chris or Capital Grille: $451
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Baltimore $18Columbia -
Tours and Activities in Baltimore
Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5.00
- Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $15
- Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour: $15
- Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- Sights and Sips Private City Sightseeing Cruise: $31
- Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $31
- Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
- Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $37
- Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $55
Tours and Activities in Columbia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:
- Soda City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Columbia: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBaltimore $17Columbia $88
Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore
Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- The Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour: $33
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Baltimore Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Columbia, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore than you might in Columbia.
Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Columbia?
Baltimore is bigger, and its population is about 5.3 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the population of Baltimore vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Baltimore or Columbia?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Baltimore or Columbia in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Columbia.
Baltimore is around the same temperature as Columbia in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Columbia. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBaltimore 78°F (25°C)Columbia 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Baltimore or Columbia in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Columbia.
In the autumn, Baltimore is cooler than Columbia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. In the autumn, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.
Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Columbia. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBaltimore 57°F (14°C)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Baltimore or Columbia in the Winter?
Both Columbia and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In January, Baltimore is generally much colder than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).
Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Columbia during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Columbia. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBaltimore 32°F (0°C)Columbia 45°F (7°C)
Should I visit Baltimore or Columbia in the Spring?
Both Columbia and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit.
Baltimore is cooler than Columbia in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the spring, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.
Baltimore usually gets more rain in April than Columbia. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBaltimore 54°F (12°C)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Columbia and Baltimore
| Baltimore | Columbia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 32°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Mar | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (9°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Dec | 37°F (3°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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