Which place is cheaper, Columbus or Charlotte?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Columbus for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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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.
Where Should I go: Charlotte or Columbus?
Charlotte
With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.
Columbus
The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCharlotte $191Columbus $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, while the average daily cost in Columbus is $158. 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 Charlotte and Columbus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCharlotte $118Columbus $72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCharlotte $236Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Columbus
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Columbus? 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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Columbus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Charlotte $33Columbus $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte
Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
- Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT: $54
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Columbus?
Prices for flights to both Columbus and Charlotte 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 dayCharlotte $46Columbus $49
Typical Food prices in Charlotte
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:
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Pizza at Airport$4.03
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Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)$29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Charlotte $43Columbus $46
Tours and Activities in Charlotte
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.
- 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
- Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $25
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
- Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Tour: $35
- Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
- Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
- Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
- Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Charlotte's Historical City Tour: $40
- Charlotte's Southern Charm Haunted/True Crime Golf Cart Tour: $48
- Charlotte's Ultimate Southern Charm Historical City Cart Tour: $38
Tours and Activities in Columbus
For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Columbus Attractions Pass Ticket : $32
- 3-Day Columbus Attractions Admission Ticket: $45
- Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
- 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $39
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $29
- Private Downtown Columbus Tour Up to 3 Passengers: $399
- The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCharlotte $20Columbus $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:
- Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
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.
Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Columbus?
Columbus is bigger, and its population is about 23% larger than the population of Charlotte. When comparing the population of Charlotte vs. 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 and the activities 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.
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCharlotte 81°F (27°C)Columbus 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Columbus in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Columbus.
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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Columbus 57°F (14°C)
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.
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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCharlotte 42°F (6°C)Columbus 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Columbus in the Spring?
Both Columbus and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit.
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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Columbus 54°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Columbus and Charlotte
| Charlotte | Columbus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Feb | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| May | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (72 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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