A Travel Price Comparison for South Carolina Charleston vs. Columbia for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Charleston or Columbia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston 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.

Charleston

Charleston is a classic, picturesque, and charming coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Charleston and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Columbia?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Charleston than Columbia. While Columbia is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Charleston is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also home to The Waterfront Park. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Charleston different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Charleston or Columbia.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charleston. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

Columbia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Charleston or Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

For foodies, Charleston is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Charleston and Columbia.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

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 Charleston or Columbia Better for Music?

Charleston is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Columbia is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Charleston is active and vibrant. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Columbia is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Charleston is a popular place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Charleston makes a nice vacation spot. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a well-known place for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Charleston is considered a top beach destination. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Columbia Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is renowned for its old town. However, Columbia does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Charleston is one of the most recognized in the world. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Columbia?

Charleston 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 Charleston make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

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 Charleston or Columbia Better for Christmas?

Charleston is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Columbia does not offer Christmas activities.

Charleston is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Columbia does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Columbia Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Columbia does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Charleston. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Columbia does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Columbia Better for Families?

Charleston and Columbia are both good destinations for the whole family.

Charleston is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Columbia is a family-friendly coastal town. 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 Charleston or Columbia Better for Couples?

Charleston is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Charleston makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

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 Charleston or Columbia Better for Students?

Charleston and Columbia are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Charleston is a good coastal town to visit for students. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

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

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

Both Charleston and Columbia offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

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

Is Charleston or Columbia a more walkable city?

Charleston is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Charleston is a very walkable coastal town. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Charleston or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Charleston than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charleston 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 Charleston.

One day in Charleston or Columbia?

The beautiful coastal town of Charleston offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the suburban city of Columbia, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbia, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Charleston or Columbia?

Charleston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charleston, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbia, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Charleston or Columbia?

Charleston is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charleston, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbia, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Columbia?

Charleston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charleston has to offer. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Columbia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charleston and Columbia, we can see that Charleston 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 Charleston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charleston 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 Charleston Expensive? and Is Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston or Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during summer. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. It's quite rainy in Charleston. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Columbia. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charleston or Columbia in the Autumn?

Both Columbia and Charleston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia because of the shopping scene.

Charleston is around the same temperature as Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 67°F (19°C) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Charleston often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Columbia. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Columbia. The winter months attract visitors to Charleston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

In the winter, Charleston is a little warmer than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charleston in January average around 47°F (9°C), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during winter. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charleston usually receives less rain than Columbia. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Columbia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Columbia. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In the spring, Charleston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Columbia. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Charleston