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

Should you visit Charlotte or Columbus?

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 Charlotte and Columbus can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a up-and-coming, growing, and evolving city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Charlotte and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Columbus?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Charlotte than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Charlotte, Charlotte has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Charlotte is well known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. Also, Charlotte is famous for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Charlotte different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlotte or Columbus?

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Columbus and Charlotte.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Is the Food Better in Charlotte or Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Charlotte. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Charlotte or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Charlotte and Columbus.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Columbus?

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Columbus both offer plenty of notable spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Columbus is a great destination for shopping. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Charlotte or Columbus Better for Families?

Columbus is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Charlotte or Columbus Better for Couples?

Charlotte is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Charlotte or Columbus Better for Students?

Charlotte is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Columbus is not popular with students.

Is Charlotte or Columbus Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlotte is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Charlotte has some public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Charlotte or Columbus a more walkable city?

Charlotte and Columbus are notable when it comes to walkability.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable city. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Charlotte or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Charlotte than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charlotte than Columbus 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 Charlotte.

One day in Charlotte or Columbus?

The city of Charlotte offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Columbus. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbus has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Charlotte or Columbus?

Charlotte 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 Charlotte, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the down-to-earth destination of Columbus. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Columbus?

Charlotte 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Columbus. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Columbus?

Charlotte 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.

Columbus is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlotte and Columbus, we can see that Charlotte is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte than you might in Columbus.

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

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Charlotte. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Columbus, 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 Charlotte or Columbus?

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 Charlotte or Columbus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Columbus. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Charlotte is around the same temperature as Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlotte or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Columbus. The autumn months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

In October, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. Charlotte is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Columbus. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlotte or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Charlotte is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Columbus. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Charlotte