A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Columbia for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or Columbia?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Columbia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Columbia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Columbia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Jacksonville is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Jacksonville different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia and Jacksonville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Columbia?

Jacksonville is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jacksonville. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Jacksonville or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Jacksonville offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Jacksonville or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a well-known place for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Columbia?

Jacksonville is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Jacksonville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Jacksonville or Columbia Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Columbia are good family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Columbia. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Jacksonville or Columbia Better for Couples?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Jacksonville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Jacksonville or Columbia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a popular place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Jacksonville or Columbia Better for Students?

Both Jacksonville and Columbia are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Columbia is popular with students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Is Jacksonville or Columbia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Jacksonville has a few public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Jacksonville or Columbia a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jacksonville or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jacksonville than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Columbia 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Columbia?

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

In Columbia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this suburban city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Columbia?

Jacksonville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jacksonville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Columbia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Columbia?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the welcoming destination of Columbia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Columbia?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Columbia is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Columbia?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Columbia, 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 Jacksonville or Columbia?

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 Jacksonville or Columbia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Columbia. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia. Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Columbia. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Columbia in the Autumn?

Both Columbia and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Columbia in the Winter?

Both Columbia and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Jacksonville is much warmer than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Columbia. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in January than Columbia. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Columbia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Columbia. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Jacksonville