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

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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.

Where Should I go: Columbia or Seattle?

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.

Seattle

Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.

Which city is cheaper, Seattle 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 Seattle is $156. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Columbia and Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbia -
    Seattle $94
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbia $0.00
    Seattle $188
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Columbia or Seattle? 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 Seattle


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 Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbia -
    Seattle $18

Typical Local Transportation prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): $40
  • Private Departure Transfer from Seattle City to SEA Seattle Airport: $46
  • Seattle Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $50
  • Seattle Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Executive Sedan: $50
  • Seattle Arrival Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $50
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Seattle Tacoma Airport to Seattle Downtown: $60
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Seattle Downtown to Tacoma Airport: $60
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Seattle Tacoma International Airport to Kent City - One Way: $62
  • Private Departure Transfer to Seattle Tacoma Airport SEA: $64
  • Seattle Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Executive SUV: $65
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Cruise Port to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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 $4.02
    Seattle $38

Typical Food prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 1 Hour: $34
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $58
  • Pacific Northwest-Style Dinner and Pairing in Seattle: $61
  • Exclusive: Early-Access Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $73
  • Street Theater and Dinner in Seattle's Fremont District: $86
  • Seattle Dinner Cruise: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbia -
    Seattle $12

Tours and Activities in Columbia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:

  • Savannah: History & Ghosts Guided Tour with Beverage Stops: $20
  • Cascade Locks: 1-Hour Columbia River Sightseeing Cruise: $50
  • Portland: Columbia River Gorge 3-Hour Small Group Tour: $85
  • Cascade Locks: Columbia Gorge Sunday Brunch Cruise: $94
  • Portland: Columbia Gorge Flight Tour: $99
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • Private Auto-guided Tour of Seattle: $4.96
  • Historic Ballard audio tour: A slice of Seattle's quirky history: $5.00
  • Skip the Line: Sky View Observatory Admission Tickets: $10
  • Smith Tower Straight Up Observatory Access Ticket: $12
  • Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Seattle Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Seattle Walking Ghost Tour: $23
  • The Museum of Flight Admission Ticket: $25
  • Underground Walking Tour: $29
  • Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
  • Seattle Harbor Cruise: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbia $70
    Seattle $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbia

Also in Columbia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Savannah: Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

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

  • Seattle Bar Hunt: Sleepless in Seattle Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Seattle Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Georgetown Brewery Tour: $72
  • Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour: $98
  • Seattle Coffee, Chocolate and Wine Tour: $112
  • Seattle Wine Tour (Hourly): $135

About these numbers

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.


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. 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 are around 82°F (28°C), and Seattle is 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbia 82°F (28°C) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Columbia during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Seattle stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Seattle. 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 temperature in Columbia is usually 45°F (7°C) in January, and Seattle stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbia 45°F (7°C) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

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 are around 64°F (18°C), and Seattle is 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Columbia

Columbia Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)


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Columbia vs. Seattle Travel Comparison

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