A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbus vs. Minneapolis for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Columbus or Minneapolis?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Minneapolis? 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.

Where Should I go: Columbus or Minneapolis?

Columbus

The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. You'll likely need a car to navigate the city, although there is a bus system, COTA, which can take you to some of Columbus' highlights.

Minneapolis

Known as one of the Twin Cities with its neighbor, Saint Paul, the Minneapolis area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago. Originally a city of lumber and flour milling, the city has grown to prosper in commerce, rail and trucking, health care, industry, education, publishing, milling, and food processing amongst others. In addition to housing the headquarters for five Fortune 500 Companies, Minneapolis is a city of thriving culture. From visual arts, music, and theater to sporting events and award-winning restaurants, the entertainment is never lacking.

Which city is cheaper, Minneapolis or Columbus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $126, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $164. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Columbus and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbus $58
    Minneapolis $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $116
    Minneapolis $176
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Columbus or Minneapolis? 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.

Hotels in Columbus


Hotels in Minneapolis


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Columbus Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbus $40
    Minneapolis $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer: Minneapolis to Minneapolis Airport (MSP): $622
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $75
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $75
  • Minneapolis to Minneapolis Airport (MSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Columbus $39
    Minneapolis $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Historic Northeast Minneapolis Food Tour: $52
  • Private Dining: Mediterranean dinner in Minneapolis with local chef: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbus $37
    Minneapolis $21

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Central Park Bike Tour: $53
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $21
  • New York City: 3-Hour City Highlights Guided Bike Tour: $60
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus: $11

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Crooked" St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour (2 hrs): $325
  • City of Lakes Tour With An Interpreter In Minneapolis: $179
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (2 hrs): $325
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (3 hrs): $425
  • 3-Hour Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Romantic tour in Minneapolis: $498
  • St Paul Minnesota: Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • The Twin Cities St Paul Tour With An Interpreter: $179
  • The best of Minneapolis walking tour: $498
  • Walking Minneapolis Downtown & Skyways Private Tour (2 hrs): $175
  • Walking Minneapolis Downtown Parks, Fountains & Sculpture Private Tour (2 hrs): $175
  • Walking Minneapolis Mississippi River, Falls & Historic Mills Private Tour(2hrs): $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbus $16
    Minneapolis $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • All Inclusive 3hr Craft Brewery Tour: $82
  • Minneapolis Distillery Tour: $87

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbus and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis than you might in Columbus.


When is the best time to visit Columbus or Minneapolis?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Columbus or Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Columbus is around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July are around 77°F (25°C), and Minneapolis is about 76°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbus 77°F (25°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In October, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Minneapolis stays around 52°F (11°C).

In the autumn, Columbus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbus 57°F (14°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Minneapolis.

The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. Columbus can be very cold during winter. Columbus is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The temperature in Columbus is usually 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Minneapolis stays around 15°F (-10°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbus usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Minneapolis.

In the spring, Columbus is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbus in April are around 54°F (12°C), and Minneapolis is about 49°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbus 54°F (12°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Columbus

Columbus Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)


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Columbus vs. Minneapolis Travel Comparison

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