A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Columbia for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a relaxing, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Clearwater and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Columbia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Columbia are popular destinations, Clearwater has more sights and attractions for tourists. Clearwater is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also well known for Clearwater Beach. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Clearwater different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Clearwater is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Clearwater offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. 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 Clearwater or Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Clearwater. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

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 Clearwater or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Clearwater and Columbia.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

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 Clearwater or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

Clearwater is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Columbia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Clearwater has a few good snorkeling spots. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is renowned for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Clearwater. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Columbia?

Both Clearwater and Columbia are nice shopping destinations.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia. 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 Clearwater or Columbia Better for Families?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Clearwater is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Columbia is a family-friendly coastal city. 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 Clearwater or Columbia Better for Couples?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Clearwater is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

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 Clearwater or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a good destination for students. However, Clearwater is not popular with students.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Clearwater is not popular with students.

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

Both Clearwater and Columbia offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

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 Clearwater or Columbia a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable place. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Clearwater or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Clearwater than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

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

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

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

One day in Clearwater or Columbia?

The coastal city of Clearwater offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 friendly 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 Clearwater or Columbia?

Clearwater is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Clearwater or Columbia?

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Clearwater, 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 Clearwater or Columbia?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 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. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences.

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.

Should I visit Clearwater or Columbia in the Autumn?

Both Columbia and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene.

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. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Clearwater or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Columbia. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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.

Should I visit Clearwater or Columbia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Columbia. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months.

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. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Clearwater