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

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Should you visit Columbia or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbia -
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbia $0.00
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Columbia or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbia -
    Phoenix $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Phoenix Airport (PHX): $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Phoenix Airport (PHX): $48
  • Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $91
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $96
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $96
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

Typical Food prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
  • Arizona Food Tours- A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale : $90
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
  • Downtown Gilbert Food Tour: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbia -
    Phoenix $40

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

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Gilbert by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Surprise by Operation City Quest: $10
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona Admission Ticket: $18
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Mesa by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Phoenix Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Private Treasure Island Escape Room Experience in Avondale : $24
  • Phoenix Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • The Scottsdale Selfie Experience: $25
  • Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • RoRo Street Art Tour in Phoenix: $27
  • Arizona Cardinals Football Game Ticket at State Farm Stadium: $27
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona Admission Ticket: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbia $88
    Phoenix $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $59
  • Verde Valley Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix/Tempe: $189
  • Haunted Jerome Wine & Brewery tasting from Scottsdale: $225
  • Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour: $245
  • The Sedona Experience - Hiking, Lunch and Wine Tasting (Private Tour): $375
  • Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour South of Tucson - Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards: $521
  • Horse Country Estate and Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $525
  • Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $525
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $589
  • Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix: $875

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Phoenix?

Phoenix is bigger, and its population is about 11.4 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the population of Columbia vs. Phoenix, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Columbia or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

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

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Columbia is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the summer, Columbia often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbia 82°F (28°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Phoenix in the Autumn?

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

In October, Columbia is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbia usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Phoenix in the Winter?

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

Columbia is much colder than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Columbia often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbia 45°F (7°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Phoenix in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Columbia is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbia usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Columbia

Columbia Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Columbia vs. Phoenix Travel Comparison

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