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

Should you visit Columbia or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Seattle? 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 welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Columbia and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle than Columbia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seattle is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seattle is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. 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.

Is Columbia or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Columbia is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Columbia is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle 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.

Seattle offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Columbia is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Seattle is very popular with diverse venues. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Columbia is not a live music destination.

Is Columbia or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a popular place for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Columbia or Seattle Better for Hiking?

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

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Seattle?

Both Columbia and Seattle are good 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.

Seattle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Columbia or Seattle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbia or Seattle.

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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Columbia or Seattle Better for Couples?

Seattle is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Seattle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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 Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young 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 Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is a well-known place for students. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Seattle is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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

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

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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 Seattle a more walkable city?

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

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist 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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Seattle?

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

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

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

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

One day in Columbia or Seattle?

In Columbia, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Seattle?

In Columbia, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbia has to offer.

Seattle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seattle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Seattle?

Columbia is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Columbia. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle is a great place to explore. 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 city 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 Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Columbia and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Columbia is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during summer. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Columbia. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Seattle. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Columbia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Columbia is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the autumn, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Seattle. Most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Columbia is a little warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Columbia usually receives less rain than Seattle. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Seattle. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the spring, Columbia is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the spring, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Columbia