A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbus vs. Anchorage for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Columbus or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Anchorage? 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. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a outdoorsy, scenic, and breathtaking city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Anchorage?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Anchorage than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Anchorage, Anchorage has more sights and attractions for tourists. Anchorage is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is known for its nightlife. Anchorage is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. It is also home to Chugach State Park. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbus or Anchorage?

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Columbus or Anchorage.

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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

Anchorage 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 Anchorage. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

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 Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Columbus is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Columbus or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

People visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Anchorage?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Columbus and Anchorage.

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.

Anchorage offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Columbus or Anchorage Better for Families?

Columbus is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Columbus is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Columbus or Anchorage Better for Couples?

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

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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 Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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 Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Columbus is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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 Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Columbus or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Columbus is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Anchorage?

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

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Columbus. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbus has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Anchorage offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Columbus or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Columbus. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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.

Anchorage 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 Anchorage, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Columbus. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Anchorage is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking 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 Columbus or Anchorage?

Columbus is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbus and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Columbus.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Anchorage?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Anchorage, 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 Columbus or Anchorage?

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 Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Anchorage. Many visitors come to Columbus in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Columbus is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In the summer, Columbus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Columbus for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the autumn, Columbus is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

Columbus usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Anchorage. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Columbus because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. The weather in Columbus can be very cold. In January, Columbus is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Anchorage. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Columbus is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Columbus