A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Pocono Mountains for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Columbia or Pocono Mountains?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Pocono Mountains? 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 friendly, welcoming, and suburban city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Columbia and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Pocono Mountains?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains than Columbia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pocono Mountains is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Columbia is more popular for its nightlife. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Also, Pocono Mountains is famous for Bushkill Falls. Columbia is well known for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbia or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Columbia is not a skiing destination.

People head to Pocono Mountains specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Columbia is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbia or Pocono Mountains?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Columbia and Pocono Mountains.

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 Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Columbia is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

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 Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Columbia or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

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

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Pocono Mountains?

Both Columbia and Pocono Mountains are notable 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.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Columbia or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

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

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pocono Mountains is a great region to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Students?

Columbia is a city with good options for students. However, Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Both Columbia and Pocono Mountains offer respectable 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Columbia or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains is a moderate region for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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 Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Pocono Mountains?

Both Columbia and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Columbia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Columbia or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the suburban destination of Columbia. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The region of Pocono Mountains offers 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the suburban city of Columbia. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Pocono Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Pocono Mountains?

Columbia is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pocono Mountains, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Pocono Mountains?

Columbia is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pocono Mountains has to offer. This region 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 Pocono Mountains, we can see that Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Pocono Mountains?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Columbia and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Columbia is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during summer. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. It's quite rainy in Columbia. In July, Columbia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Columbia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbia for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Columbia is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the autumn, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in October than Pocono Mountains. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Pocono Mountains. The winter months attract visitors to Columbia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Pocono Mountains in the winter. In January, Columbia is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 45°F (7°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during winter. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Pocono Mountains. Additionally, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty.

Columbia is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the spring, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets less rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Columbia