A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Santa Monica for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Columbia or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Santa Monica? 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a active, lively, and funfilled town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Columbia and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Santa Monica?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Columbia. While Columbia is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Columbia is well known for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Columbia and Santa Monica.

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 Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Santa Monica offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Columbia or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is renowned for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best 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 Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Santa Monica Better for Students?

Columbia is a popular place for students. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Columbia is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Columbia or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable town. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Columbia or Santa Monica?

In Columbia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

Columbia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly destination of Columbia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches 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 Santa Monica?

Columbia is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Santa Monica?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Columbia and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Columbia because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

Columbia is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Columbia. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Columbia during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Columbia is around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).

Columbia usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Columbia is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 45°F (7°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Santa Monica. Additionally, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

Columbia is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Columbia usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Columbia