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

Should you visit Columbia or Nantucket?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Nantucket? 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Columbia and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Nantucket?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Columbia and Nantucket are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

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

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Both Columbia and Nantucket are nice when it comes to 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Columbia or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

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

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Nantucket is a well-known place for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Columbia or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a well-known place for its old town. However, Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Is Columbia or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Nantucket?

Nantucket is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Nantucket is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Columbia or Nantucket Better for Families?

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly island. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket Better for Students?

Columbia is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Nantucket is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Columbia or Nantucket a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is a very walkable island. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbia or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

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

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

One day in Columbia or Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Columbia or Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantucket, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 island 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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Nantucket?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Columbia and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Nantucket. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbia is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Nantucket. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket 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 Nantucket in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In October, Columbia usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Columbia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Columbia is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Nantucket averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Columbia usually gets less rain in January than Nantucket. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Nantucket. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Columbia is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Columbia usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Columbia