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

Should you visit Columbus or Boston?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Boston? 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.

Boston

Boston is a classic, proud, and loyal city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Columbus and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Boston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boston than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boston is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Boston from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Is Columbus or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a very popular place for theatre. However, Columbus is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Columbus is not a theatre destination.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston Better for Nightlife?

Boston is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Boston has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a popular place for live music. However, Columbus is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Columbus is not a live music destination.

Is Columbus or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Boston is a good spot to see the beach. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Columbus or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Columbus does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Boston is revered around the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Boston?

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

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.

Boston offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Columbus or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Columbus does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Boston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Columbus does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Columbus or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Columbus does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston offers plenty of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Columbus does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Columbus or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Boston is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Columbus or Boston Better for Couples?

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

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

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 Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

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 Boston Better for Students?

Boston is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Boston is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Boston can get you around easily. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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.

Is Columbus or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Boston. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Boston?

In either Columbus or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Columbus because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Columbus. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Boston is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Boston?

Columbus is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Boston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boston, 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 Boston?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Columbus. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Boston is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Boston, we can see that Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Boston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Boston?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Boston, 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 Boston?

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 Boston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Boston. Most visitors come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In the summer, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Boston. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Boston in the Autumn?

Both Boston and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Columbus because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In the autumn, Columbus is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Boston during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Boston. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. It's quite cold in Columbus in the winter. In January, Columbus is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Boston. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Boston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Boston. Furthermore, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Columbus is a little warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Boston during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives less rain than Boston. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Columbus