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

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Should you visit Dayton or Columbia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Columbia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Dayton or Columbia?

Dayton

Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.

Columbia

Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.

Which city is cheaper, Columbia or Dayton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $259, while the average daily cost in Columbia is $0.00. 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 Dayton and Columbia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dayton $200
    Columbia -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dayton $400
    Columbia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Columbia

Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Columbia? 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 Dayton


Hotels in Columbia


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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Columbia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dayton $20
    Columbia -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dayton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dayton:

  • James M. Cox Dayton Airport (DAY) to Dayton - Departure Private Transfer: $133
  • James M. Cox Dayton Airport (DAY) to Dayton - Arrival Private Transfer: $133
  • James M. Cox Dayton Airport (DAY) to Dayton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $266

Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Columbia?

Prices for flights to both Columbia and Dayton 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
    Dayton $49
    Columbia $4.02
Typical Food prices in Dayton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:


  • Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)
    $17
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dayton -
    Columbia -

Tours and Activities in Dayton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:

  • Daytona Beach: Daytona 500 NASCAR Race Ticket: $249

Tours and Activities in Columbia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:

  • Savannah: History & Ghosts Guided Tour with Beverage Stops: $20
  • Cascade Locks: 1-Hour Columbia River Sightseeing Cruise: $50
  • Portland: Columbia River Gorge 3-Hour Small Group Tour: $85
  • Cascade Locks: Columbia Gorge Sunday Brunch Cruise: $94
  • Portland: Columbia Gorge Flight Tour: $99
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dayton -
    Columbia $70

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbia

Also in Columbia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Savannah: Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Dayton or Columbia?

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 Dayton or Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Dayton is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Temperatures in Dayton average around 78°F (26°C), and Columbia stays around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during summer. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. In July, Dayton usually receives less rain than Columbia. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dayton 78°F (26°C) 
    Columbia 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Dayton or Columbia in the Autumn?

Both Columbia and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Dayton is cooler than Columbia in the autumn. The temperature in Dayton is usually 57°F (14°C) in October, and Columbia stays around 64°F (18°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Columbia. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dayton 57°F (14°C) 
    Columbia 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Dayton or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Columbia.

The weather in Dayton can be very cold. In the winter, Dayton is much colder than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dayton in January are around 30°F (-1°C), and Columbia is about 45°F (7°C).

Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Columbia during winter. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Columbia. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dayton 30°F (-1°C) 
    Columbia 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Dayton or Columbia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Columbia.

In April, Dayton is generally cooler than Columbia. Temperatures in Dayton average around 55°F (13°C), and Columbia stays around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In the spring, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Dayton usually gets more rain in April than Columbia. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dayton 55°F (13°C) 
    Columbia 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Columbia and Dayton

Dayton Columbia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 55°F (13°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)


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Dayton vs. Columbia Travel Comparison

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