A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Columbus vs. Vernon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Columbus or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Vernon? 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 Vernon?

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.

Vernon

Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon 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 Vernon is $30. 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 Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbus $72
    Vernon $4.82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $144
    Vernon $9.64
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Columbus or Vernon? 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 Vernon


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 Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbus $50
    Vernon -

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: $65
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon 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
    Vernon $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbus $46
    Vernon -

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 by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbus $20
    Vernon $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbus and Vernon, we can see that Columbus is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Columbus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbus than you might in Vernon.

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


Which is Bigger, Columbus or Vernon?

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

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 Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbus 77°F (25°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Columbus or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Columbus is a little warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Columbus usually receives more rain than Vernon. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbus 57°F (14°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Columbus or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Columbus can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Columbus is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Columbus usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Columbus or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Vernon.

In April, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Vernon. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbus 54°F (12°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Columbus

Columbus Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)