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

Should you visit Columbus or Ketchikan?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Ketchikan? 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.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Ketchikan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Columbus and Ketchikan are both popular with visitors, Ketchikan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ketchikan is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is known for its nightlife. Ketchikan is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also home to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Columbus is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town 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 Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Columbus or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Ketchikan?

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

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.

Ketchikan offers some nice shopping areas. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Columbus or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Ketchikan.

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.

Ketchikan is a very kid-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Columbus or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Columbus and Ketchikan.

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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Columbus or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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 Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Ketchikan?

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

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Ketchikan?

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 town of Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

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.

Ketchikan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Ketchikan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming 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.

Ketchikan is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Ketchikan?

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.

Ketchikan is a great place to explore. 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 town 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 Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Ketchikan?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Ketchikan. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Columbus is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Columbus is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Ketchikan. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Columbus is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Columbus usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Columbus