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

Should you visit Columbia or Ketchikan?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Ketchikan? 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.

Columbia

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

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a scenic, quaint, and local town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Columbia and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Ketchikan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Columbia and Ketchikan are popular destinations, Ketchikan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ketchikan is very popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbia attracts visitors for its nightlife. Ketchikan is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also well known for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Columbia and Ketchikan.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ketchikan. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Is the Food Better in Columbia or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Columbia or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Columbia is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Columbia or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

People visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Ketchikan?

Both Columbia and Ketchikan are nice shopping destinations.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Ketchikan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Columbia or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is a very kid-friendly town. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Columbia is a family-friendly 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 Columbia or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Columbia or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is a popular place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Columbia or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Columbia is very good for students. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

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

Both Columbia and Ketchikan offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Columbia or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Ketchikan is a very walkable town. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbia and Ketchikan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ketchikan than in Columbia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

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

One day in Columbia or Ketchikan?

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

The beautiful town of Ketchikan offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbia or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Columbia. 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.

Ketchikan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ketchikan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Columbia. 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.

Ketchikan 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.

A week in Columbia or Ketchikan?

Columbia 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.

Ketchikan is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Ketchikan?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Columbia and Ketchikan, 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 Columbia or Ketchikan?

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 Columbia or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbia is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Columbia. In July, Columbia usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Columbia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Columbia is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Columbia usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Ketchikan in the Winter?

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

Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Columbia is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Columbia usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Ketchikan. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Columbia is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Columbia usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Columbia