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

Should you visit Columbia or Lewisburg?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Lewisburg? 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.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a charming, historical, and quaint town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping and museums.

Columbia and Lewisburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Columbia or Lewisburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lewisburg. Although Columbia and Lewisburg are popular destinations, Lewisburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lewisburg is very popular for its historical sights and small town charm, while Columbia attracts visitors for its nightlife. Lewisburg is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its historical charm and friendly personality. It is also well known for Bucknell University. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Lewisburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg?

Columbia
Lewisburg

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

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 Lewisburg. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.


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

Columbia
Lewisburg

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Columbia and Lewisburg.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbia. 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.

Lewisburg may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Lewisburg Better for Nightlife?

Columbia
Lewisburg

Columbia is a popular place for nightlife. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Columbia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Lewisburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

Is Columbia or Lewisburg Better for its Old Town?

Columbia
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a popular place for its old town. However, Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Lewisburg to see the old town. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Columbia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Lewisburg?

Columbia
Lewisburg

Both Columbia and Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

Is Columbia or Lewisburg Better for Families?

Columbia
Lewisburg

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbia or Lewisburg.

Columbia is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Lewisburg is a family-friendly city. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.

Is Columbia or Lewisburg Better for Couples?

Columbia
Lewisburg

Most people don't think of either Columbia or Lewisburg as a couple's destination.

Most people don't think of Columbia as a couple's destination. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Lewisburg is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.


Is Columbia or Lewisburg Better for Students?

Columbia
Lewisburg

Columbia and Lewisburg are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Plenty of students visit Lewisburg. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

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

Columbia
Lewisburg

Both Columbia and Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.

Is Columbia or Lewisburg a more walkable city?

Columbia
Lewisburg

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

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable place. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.

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 Lewisburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lewisburg or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Lewisburg?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Columbia or Lewisburg to fill your time. In our opinion, Lewisburg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lewisburg than Columbia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Columbia or Lewisburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Columbia 1-2 
    Lewisburg 1-2

One day in Columbia or Lewisburg?

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 town of Lewisburg offers museums and shopping. 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 Lewisburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming 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.

Lewisburg 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lewisburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Lewisburg?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the suburban 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.

Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg?

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.

Lewisburg is a great place to explore. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg is $136. 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 Columbia and Lewisburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbia -
    Lewisburg $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbia $0.00
    Lewisburg $140
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Lewisburg

Looking for a hotel in Columbia or Lewisburg? 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 Lewisburg


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbia -
    Lewisburg $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Lewisburg?

Prices for flights to both Lewisburg 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 $5.03
    Lewisburg $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbia -
    Lewisburg $18

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbia $88
    Lewisburg $12


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


Which is Bigger, Columbia or Lewisburg?

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

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 Lewisburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Lewisburg. The summer months attract visitors to Columbia because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lewisburg this time of year.

In July, Columbia is generally a little warmer than Lewisburg. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), and Lewisburg fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lewisburg this time of the year. In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lewisburg during summer. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

Lewisburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Lewisburg. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbia 82°F (28°C) 
    Lewisburg 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Lewisburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Lewisburg. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lewisburg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Columbia is a little warmer than Lewisburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the autumn, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Lewisburg. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 194 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets less rain in October than Lewisburg. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Lewisburg 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Lewisburg in the Winter?

Both Lewisburg and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lewisburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lewisburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Columbia is much warmer than Lewisburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Lewisburg averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Lewisburg during winter. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Lewisburg. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbia 45°F (7°C) 
    Lewisburg 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Lewisburg in the Spring?

Both Lewisburg and Columbia during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lewisburg for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Columbia is generally much warmer than Lewisburg. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Lewisburg fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Lewisburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the spring, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Lewisburg. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 237 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets less rain in April than Lewisburg. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Lewisburg 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Lewisburg and Columbia

Columbia Lewisburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.5 inches (65 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)