A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Galveston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Columbia or Galveston?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Galveston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Columbia or Galveston?

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.

Galveston

Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.

Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.

Which city is cheaper, Galveston or Columbia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $147. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Columbia and Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbia -
    Galveston $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbia $0.00
    Galveston $128
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Galveston

Looking for a hotel in Columbia or Galveston? 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.

Hotels in Columbia


Hotels in Galveston


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: Columbia Hotel Prices and Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbia -
    Galveston $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Galveston Port to Houston Airport Transfer: $432

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Galveston?

Prices for flights to both Galveston and Columbia 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Columbia $4.02
    Galveston $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbia -
    Galveston $12

Tours and Activities in Columbia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:

  • Cascade Locks: 1-Hour Columbia River Sightseeing Cruise: $50
  • Cascade Locks: Columbia Gorge Sunday Brunch Cruise: $94
  • Portland: Columbia Gorge Flight Tour: $99
  • Portland: Columbia River Gorge 3-Hour Small Group Tour: $85
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199
  • Savannah: History & Ghosts Guided Tour with Beverage Stops: $20

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • Galveston Ghosts Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Spooky Strand Ghost Tour: $8.00
  • Al's Galveston Ghost Tour: $9.99
  • Galveston Ghost Tour: $10
  • Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour: $10
  • Historic Galveston Ghost Tour: $10
  • Storm on the Strand Ghost Tour: $13
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $13
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Galveston with a Guide: $15
  • Great! Galveston Ghost Tour: $16
  • Historic Galveston Red Light District Tour: $19
  • Galveston's Haunted Cemetery Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbia $70
    Galveston $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbia

Also in Columbia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Savannah: Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Columbia or Galveston?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Columbia or Galveston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Galveston.

Columbia is around the same temperature as Galveston in the summer. The temperature in Columbia is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Galveston stays around 84°F (29°C).

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Galveston. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbia 82°F (28°C) 
    Galveston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Galveston in the Autumn?

Both Galveston and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Columbia is cooler than Galveston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia in October are around 64°F (18°C), and Galveston is about 71°F (22°C).

In October, Columbia usually receives more rain than Galveston. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Galveston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Galveston in the Winter?

Both Galveston and Columbia during the winter are popular places to visit.

In January, Columbia is generally much colder than Galveston. Temperatures in Columbia average around 45°F (7°C), and Galveston stays around 52°F (11°C).

Columbia usually gets more rain in January than Galveston. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbia 45°F (7°C) 
    Galveston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Galveston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Galveston.

Columbia is cooler than Galveston in the spring. The temperature in Columbia is usually 64°F (18°C) in April, and Galveston stays around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Columbia usually receives more rain than Galveston. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Galveston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Galveston and Columbia

Columbia Galveston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)


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Columbia vs. Galveston Travel Comparison

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