A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Columbia for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Key Largo or Columbia?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Columbia can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a beautiful, relaxed, and peaceful island. It's a quaint destination. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Columbia

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

Key Largo and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Columbia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key Largo. Although Key Largo and Columbia are both popular with visitors, Key Largo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key Largo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere, while Columbia is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Key Largo is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. It is also home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Key Largo different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key Largo or Columbia?

Columbia is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Columbia can be an enjoyable experience.

Key Largo may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Columbia offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Key Largo or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Columbia is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Columbia has a few options to choose from. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Key Largo or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

Key Largo is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Key Largo or Columbia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a popular place for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Key Largo is a good option for a beach vacation. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Columbia?

Columbia is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Columbia Better for Families?

Key Largo is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Key Largo is a very family-friendly destination. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

Columbia is a family-friendly island. 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 Key Largo or Columbia Better for Couples?

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

Key Largo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

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 Key Largo or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

Columbia is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Key Largo or Columbia a more walkable city?

Neither Key Largo or Columbia are walkable places.

Key Largo is not a very walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Key Largo or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Key Largo than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

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

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Columbia?

The island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Columbia. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbia has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Columbia?

Key Largo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the suburban destination of Columbia. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Columbia?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the suburban city of Columbia. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Columbia?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Columbia is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Columbia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the summer, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun.

Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Columbia. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Columbia. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbia for the shopping scene during these months.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Columbia. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Columbia. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Columbia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Key Largo is much warmer than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Columbia. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Columbia. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches.

In April, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), 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 Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Columbia. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Key Largo