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

Should you visit Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Adirondack 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a scenic, serene, and pristine region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Columbus and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations, Adirondack Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also well known for Whiteface Mountain. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbus or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Columbus is not a skiing destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Columbus is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Columbus or Adirondack Mountains.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Adirondack Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

Is the Food Better in Columbus or Adirondack Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and Adirondack Mountains.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Adirondack Mountains has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Columbus or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

Adirondack Mountains is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Adirondack Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Columbus and Adirondack Mountains.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Adirondack Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.


Is Columbus or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Adirondack Mountains.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Adirondack Mountains is a very kid-friendly city. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Columbus or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Adirondack Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.


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

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Columbus is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Columbus or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Columbus
Adirondack Mountains

Columbus is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable city. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Columbus 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Columbus or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Columbus 1-2 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Columbus. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbus has to offer.

The beautiful region of Adirondack Mountains offers museums and skiing. 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 Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

Columbus is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Columbus for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Columbus. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adirondack 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 Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

The friendly destination of Columbus offers nightlife and shopping. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Adirondack 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 Adirondack Mountains has to offer. This region offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Columbus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $158, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $166. 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 Columbus and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbus $72
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $144
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Columbus or Adirondack Mountains? 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 Columbus


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


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: Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbus $50
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Columbus 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
    Columbus $49
    Adirondack Mountains $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbus $46
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbus $20
    Adirondack Mountains $19


When comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Adirondack Mountains is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Columbus Expensive? and Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Columbus or Adirondack Mountains?

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 Columbus or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Adirondack Mountains. The summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year.

In the summer, Columbus is a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adirondack Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In the summer, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 285 hours of full sun.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Adirondack Mountains. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbus 77°F (25°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Columbus usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Adirondack Mountains. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbus 57°F (14°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Adirondack Mountains can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. Columbus is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 124 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Adirondack Mountains. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Adirondack Mountains. Furthermore, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Columbus is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbus in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 46°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adirondack Mountains this time of the year. Columbus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Adirondack Mountains during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Adirondack Mountains. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbus 54°F (12°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Columbus

Columbus Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)