A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbus vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Columbus or Las Vegas?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Las Vegas? 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.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a ritzy, colorful, and sinful entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Columbus and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Las Vegas?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Las Vegas is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

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 Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Columbus is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Columbus is not a theatre destination.

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

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

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Las Vegas just to party. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

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 Las Vegas Better for Music?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for live music. However, Columbus is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is known as a music capital around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Columbus is not a live music destination.

Is Columbus or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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.

Is Columbus or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Columbus is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Columbus or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Columbus and Las Vegas.

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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is Columbus or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Columbus and Las Vegas are good when it comes to 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.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Las Vegas?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.

One day in Columbus or Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic 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.

Las Vegas is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, 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 Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer. This entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Las Vegas?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Las Vegas, 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.