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

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Columbus or Norfolk?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Norfolk? 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 Norfolk?

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.

Norfolk

The city of Norfolk in the U.S. state of Virginia is a port city holding a large Navy and shipping presence in its harbor. With a long history as a strategic military point, Norfolk is home to the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Other attractions include opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment as well as many parks and memorials.

Which city is cheaper, Norfolk 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 Norfolk is $133. 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 Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbus $58
    Norfolk $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $116
    Norfolk $136
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Columbus or Norfolk? 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 Norfolk


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 Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbus $40
    Norfolk $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: PFH to Outer Banks North Carolina by Luxury Vehicle: $283

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Norfolk?

Prices for flights to both Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.

  • Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River: $84
  • Spirit of Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbus $37
    Norfolk $11

Tours and Activities in Columbus

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

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

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1/2 Day E-Bike Tour of Norfolk's History and Art: $79
  • 1/2 Day E-Bike Tour of Norfolk's History and Art: $78
  • Candle Making Experience: $69
  • City Sightseeing Norwich Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $19
  • E-Bike Cannonball Trail Guided History Tour of Norfolk: $59
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Norfolk Chronicles History Walking Tour: $36
  • Norfolk Passport to Fun City Sightseeing and Discount Book: $52
  • Self-Guided E-Bike Tour Elizabeth River Trail 2-Hour/3rd Hour Free: $50
  • Spirit of Norfolk Buffet Lunch Cruise: $77
  • Spirit of Norfolk Lunch Cruise on the Elizabeth River: $61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbus $16
    Norfolk $8.39

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Norfolk, we can see that Norfolk 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.


When is the best time to visit Columbus or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk and Columbus during the summer are popular places to visit.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The temperature in Columbus is usually 77°F (25°C) in July, and Norfolk stays around 79°F (26°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbus. In the summer, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually gets less rain in July than Norfolk. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbus 77°F (25°C) 
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Norfolk.

In the autumn, Columbus is cooler than Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October are around 57°F (14°C), and Norfolk is about 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Norfolk during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbus 57°F (14°C) 
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Norfolk.

Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Norfolk. Temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Norfolk stays around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Norfolk. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Columbus is cooler than Norfolk in the spring. The temperature in Columbus is usually 54°F (12°C) in April, and Norfolk stays around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Norfolk during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbus 54°F (12°C) 
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Columbus

Columbus Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Columbus
Washington vs. Norfolk
Clearwater vs. Columbus
Clearwater vs. Norfolk
Fort Lauderdale vs. Columbus
Fort Lauderdale vs. Norfolk
Gainesville vs. Columbus
Gainesville vs. Norfolk
Jacksonville vs. Columbus
Jacksonville vs. Norfolk
Miami vs. Columbus
Miami vs. Norfolk
Orlando vs. Columbus
Orlando vs. Norfolk
Saint Petersburg vs. Columbus
Saint Petersburg vs. Norfolk
Tallahassee vs. Columbus
Tallahassee vs. Norfolk
Tampa vs. Columbus
Tampa vs. Norfolk
Atlanta vs. Columbus
Atlanta vs. Norfolk
Savannah vs. Columbus
Savannah vs. Norfolk
New Orleans vs. Columbus
New Orleans vs. Norfolk
Baltimore vs. Columbus
Baltimore vs. Norfolk
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Columbus vs. Norfolk Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.