Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia or Columbus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbus vs. Philadelphia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Columbus or Philadelphia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Columbus or Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia?
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. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColumbus $158Philadelphia $188
The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $158, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $188. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Columbus and Philadelphia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColumbus $72Philadelphia $119
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColumbus $144Philadelphia $238
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Philadelphia
Looking for a hotel in Columbus or Philadelphia? 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.
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 Philadelphia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Columbus $50Philadelphia $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sedan Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Train Station: $63
- Private Departure Transfer to Philadelphia Airport (PHL): $50
- Private Arrival Transfer from Philadelphia Airport (PHL): $50
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $349
Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Philadelphia?
Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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
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Food Meals for one dayColumbus $49Philadelphia $49
Typical Food prices in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for 3)$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
- Italian Market Food Tour - Small Group Walking Tour: $69
- Best of Philadelphia Food Tour - Small Group Walking Tour: $69
- 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $69
- Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour: $75
- Secret Food Tours Philadelphia w/ Private Tour Option: $81
- Secret Food Tour: $82
- Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $83
- Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $85
- Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Columbus $46Philadelphia $28
Tours and Activities in Columbus
For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Columbus Attractions Pass Ticket : $32
- 3-Day Columbus Attractions Admission Ticket: $45
- Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
- 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $39
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $29
- Private Downtown Columbus Tour Up to 3 Passengers: $399
- The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $40
Typical Entertainment prices in Philadelphia
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Big Bus Tour (family of 3)$99
Tours and Activities in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Longwood Gardens Experience: $129
- 1 Hour Philadelphia Private Guided Tour by Deluxe Electric Car: $150
- 2-Hour Grim Philly Ghost Tour: $35
- Amazing Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Archaeologist's Historic Walking Tour in Philadelphia: $49
- Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.40
- BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia: $49
- Badass Women's History Walking Tour of Philadelphia: $59
- Beyond the [Liberty] Bell History Walking Tour: $59
- City Sightseeing Philadelphia (Night Tour) on Double Decker Bus: $39
- City Sightseeing Philadelphia Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off (24, 48, 72 Hours): $68
- City of Philly Bike Tour: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColumbus $20Philadelphia $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Philadelphia Band, Brewery, and Beer Garden Evening Trolley Tour: $44
- Beer, Band, Brewery & Beer Garden Tour: $44
- Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
- History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $50
- Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbus and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia than you might in Columbus.
Which is Bigger, Columbus or Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is bigger, and its population is about 2.1 times larger than the population of Columbus. When comparing the population of Columbus vs. Philadelphia, 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Columbus or Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia in the Summer?
Both Philadelphia and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Columbus is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyColumbus 77°F (25°C)Philadelphia 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Columbus or Philadelphia in the Autumn?
Both Philadelphia and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.
Columbus usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberColumbus 57°F (14°C)Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Columbus or Philadelphia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Philadelphia. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. Columbus can be very cold during winter. Columbus is cooler than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Columbus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Philadelphia. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryColumbus 30°F (-1°C)Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Columbus or Philadelphia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Philadelphia. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.
In the spring, Columbus is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbus in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.
Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Philadelphia. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilColumbus 54°F (12°C)Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Columbus
| Columbus | Philadelphia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Mar | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (20°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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