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

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Should you visit Columbus or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Columbus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $158, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbus $72
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $144
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Columbus or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbus $50
    Phoenix $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $105
  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Phoenix Airport (PHX): $48
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Departure Private Transfer to Phoenix Airport PHX by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 $49
    Phoenix $52

Typical Food prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbus $46
    Phoenix $40

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 Blue Jackets Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Nationwide Arena: $22
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • 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: $41
  • Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • 1-2 Hour Jewel of the Creek Private Guided Hiking Tour: $70
  • 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
  • 1/2 DAY SONORAN DESERT HIKE. Tour, Workout or Challenge Pace.: $115
  • 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $80
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour - Scottsdazzle Holiday Light Show: $89
  • 2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $115
  • 2 hour Photography Tour of Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens: $135
  • 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
  • 2-Hour Desert UTV Off-Road Adventure in the Sonoran Desert: $385
  • 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $89
  • 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
  • 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbus $20
    Phoenix $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $59
  • Wine Tasting From Scottsdale!: $189
  • Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour: $245
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $589

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Phoenix?

Phoenix is bigger, and its population is about 79% larger than the population of Columbus. When comparing the population of Columbus vs. Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Phoenix.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Columbus is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbus 77°F (25°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Phoenix.

Columbus is much colder than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the autumn, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbus 57°F (14°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

The weather in Columbus can be very cold. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbus usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Columbus during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Columbus is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbus 54°F (12°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Columbus

Columbus Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)


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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Columbus vs. Phoenix Travel Comparison

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