A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbus vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Columbus or San Francisco?

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

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

San Francisco

San Francisco is a scenic, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches.

Columbus and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or San Francisco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Francisco is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit San Francisco from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 Columbus or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a popular place for theatre. However, Columbus is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Columbus is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Columbus or San Francisco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, San Francisco is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and San Francisco.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

San Francisco has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Columbus or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a popular place for live music. However, Columbus is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Francisco is active and vibrant. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Columbus is not a live music destination.

Is Columbus or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

San Francisco is considered a top beach destination. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Columbus or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

People visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or San Francisco?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in San Francisco. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco 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, San Francisco is a very family-friendly destination. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

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

San Francisco makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

San Francisco is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

San Francisco is a very popular coastal city for students and younger travelers. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Columbus is not popular with students.

Is Columbus or San Francisco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in San Francisco can get you around easily. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Columbus or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or San Francisco?

Both Columbus and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Columbus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Columbus or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Columbus. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

San Francisco is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbus or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Columbus. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Francisco is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Francisco, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbus or San Francisco?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Columbus. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Francisco has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Columbus Expensive? and Is San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or San Francisco?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and San Francisco. Many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Francisco in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbus as well as San Francisco. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Columbus is cooler than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Columbus usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Columbus can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Columbus usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Columbus during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In April, Columbus is generally cooler than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Columbus usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Columbus