Which place is cheaper, Columbus or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Havana or Columbus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Havana and Columbus can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Havana or Columbus?
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHavana $65Columbus $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, while the average daily cost in Columbus is $158. 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 Havana and Columbus in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHavana $40Columbus $72
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHavana $80Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Havana and Columbus
Looking for a hotel in Havana or Columbus? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Havana $19Columbus $50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
-
Short Taxi Ride$0.68
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 John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
- Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Columbus?
Prices for flights to both Columbus and Havana 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 dayHavana $10Columbus $49
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
-
Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Havana $11Columbus $46
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 dayHavana $5.76Columbus $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
-
Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Columbus, we can see that Columbus is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Columbus is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Havana Expensive? and Is Columbus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Havana or Columbus?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Columbus. When comparing the sizes of Havana and Columbus, 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 Havana or Columbus?
Columbus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Havana or Columbus in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Havana as well as Columbus. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Havana is around the same temperature as Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).
It's quite rainy in Columbus. Havana usually gets less rain in July than Columbus. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHavana 27°C (81°F)Columbus 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Havana or Columbus in the Autumn?
Both Columbus and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.
In October, Havana is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In October, Havana usually receives more rain than Columbus. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHavana 25°C (77°F)Columbus 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Havana or Columbus in the Winter?
Both Columbus and Havana during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. Havana is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
Havana usually gets less rain in January than Columbus. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHavana 21°C (70°F)Columbus 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Havana or Columbus in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Columbus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
In the spring, Havana is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).
In April, Havana usually receives less rain than Columbus. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHavana 24°C (75°F)Columbus 54°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Columbus and Havana
| Havana | Columbus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (72 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.