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

Should you visit Columbus or Monterey?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Monterey? 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 friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monterey 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.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

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

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Columbus or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Monterey?

Monterey is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey 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, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

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

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Columbus and Monterey.

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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Columbus or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey 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.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around 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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Monterey?

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

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Monterey?

The city of Columbus offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. 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 Monterey?

Columbus is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbus, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Monterey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Monterey?

Columbus 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.

Monterey 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 Monterey?

Columbus is a great place to explore. 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.

Monterey is a great place to explore. 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 comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Monterey?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Monterey. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Columbus because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Columbus is cooler than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Columbus usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Monterey. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Columbus in the winter. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Columbus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Monterey. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Monterey. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Monterey. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Columbus