Which place is cheaper, Charleston or Columbus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Columbus or Charleston? 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 is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.
Charleston is a historic, classic, and picturesque coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Charleston than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Charleston and Columbus. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Columbus or Charleston.
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.
Charleston offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.
Charleston is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.
For foodies, Charleston is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.
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.
The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and Charleston.
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.
Charleston has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.
Charleston is a popular place for live music. However, Columbus is not a live music destination.
The music scene in Charleston is active and vibrant. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.
Columbus is not a live music destination.
Charleston is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.
Charleston has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.
Columbus is not a resort destination.
Charleston is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.
Charleston is considered a top beach destination. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.
Columbus is not a beach destination.
Charleston is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Columbus does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Charleston is revered around the world. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.
Columbus does not have a historic old town.
Charleston is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Charleston. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.
Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. 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.
Charleston is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Columbus does not offer Christmas activities.
Since it has plenty to do, Charleston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.
Columbus does not offer Christmas activities.
Charleston is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Columbus does not offer Christmas markets.
Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Charleston. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.
Columbus does not offer Christmas markets.
Columbus is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Columbus is known to be 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.
Charleston is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.
Charleston is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.
Charleston makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.
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.
Charleston is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.
Plenty of students visit Charleston. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.
Columbus is not popular with students.
Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Columbus and Charleston.
Public transit is mostly 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 generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.
Charleston is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.
Charleston is very walkable. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.
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 Charleston Worth Visiting?.
Both Columbus and Charleston have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than in Columbus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 2-7 days is enough time in Charleston.
Families should spend more time in Charleston than Columbus. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Charleston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Charleston than Columbus. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Charleston that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charleston 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 Charleston.
With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Columbus, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbus, one day is sufficent for most.
The beautiful coastal town of Charleston offers museums and nightlife. 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.
With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbus, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Charleston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charleston, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Columbus, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Charleston is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charleston, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Columbus is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Charleston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charleston has to offer. This coastal town offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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 Charleston is $170. 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 Charleston in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Columbus or Charleston? 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.
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.
Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:
Prices for flights to both Charleston 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.
For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Charleston are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:
When comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Charleston, we can see that Charleston 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 Charleston Expensive?.
Columbus has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Charleston, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Charleston. Many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Charleston. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In the summer, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Charleston. Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets less rain in July than Charleston. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Charleston and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Columbus is cooler than Charleston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Charleston. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Charleston and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Charleston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Columbus can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Charleston averages at about 47°F (9°C).
In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun.
Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Charleston. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Charleston. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.
In April, Columbus is generally cooler than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Charleston. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Columbus | Charleston | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
Mar | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) |
Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
May | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (176 mm) |
Aug | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) |
Sep | 69°F (20°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |