Which place is cheaper, Columbia or Clearwater?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Columbia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Clearwater or Columbia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and Columbia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Clearwater or Columbia?
Clearwater
Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.
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 dayClearwater $309Columbia $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, 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 Clearwater and Columbia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personClearwater $141Columbia -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomClearwater $282Columbia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Columbia
Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Columbia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Clearwater $221Columbia -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:
- From Orlando: Clearwater Beach Day with Transfers and Lunch: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Columbia?
Prices for flights to both Columbia and Clearwater 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 dayClearwater $46Columbia $5.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Clearwater -Columbia -
Tours and Activities in Clearwater
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
- St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour: $15
- Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
- Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
- 1-hour Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
- Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach : $28
- Clearwater Dolphin Exploration Tour: $29
- Clearwater Sunset Celebration Cruise: $29
- Tour with Dolphins and Sight Seeing: $29
- Dolphin Quest - Sightseeing/Eco Cruise, John's Pass, Madeira Beach, FL : $29
- St. Pete Beach Dolphin Racer Speedboat Adventure: $30
- Haunted History Tour: $30
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 dayClearwater -Columbia $88
Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:
- The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Columbia, we can see that Clearwater 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Columbia.
Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Columbia?
Columbia is bigger, and its population is about 8% larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the population of Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Columbia in the Summer?
Both Columbia and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbia averages at about 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Columbia during summer. Clearwater gets 265 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 Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Columbia. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 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 JulyClearwater 82°F (28°C)Columbia 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Clearwater or Columbia in the Autumn?
Both Columbia and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.
Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Columbia. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberClearwater 75°F (24°C)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Clearwater or Columbia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Columbia.
Clearwater is much warmer than Columbia in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).
In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Columbia. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 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 JanuaryClearwater 60°F (15°C)Columbia 45°F (7°C)
Should I visit Clearwater or Columbia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Columbia.
In the spring, Clearwater is a little warmer than Columbia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Columbia averages at about 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 Clearwater this time of the year. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Columbia. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.
Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Columbia. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 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 AprilClearwater 71°F (22°C)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Columbia and Clearwater
| Clearwater | Columbia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Feb | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 71°F (22°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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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