A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Columbus for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit La Paz or Columbus?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Columbus 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.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

La Paz and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Columbus?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Paz than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is La Paz different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Columbus?

La Paz is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

La Paz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Is the Food Better in La Paz or Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is La Paz or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both La Paz and Columbus.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is La Paz or Columbus Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Columbus Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Columbus Better for Beaches?

La Paz is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in La Paz. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Columbus?

La Paz is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is La Paz or Columbus Better for Families?

Both La Paz and Columbus are excellent to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is La Paz or Columbus Better for Couples?

La Paz is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

La Paz is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is La Paz or Columbus Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

La Paz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is La Paz or Columbus Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Paz is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

La Paz has some public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is La Paz or Columbus a more walkable city?

La Paz is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

La Paz is very walkable. The city is very walkable.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in La Paz or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in La Paz than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Columbus 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Columbus?

The city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Columbus. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in La Paz or Columbus?

La Paz 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 La Paz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Columbus is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Columbus?

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Columbus?

La Paz is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Columbus. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Columbus, we can see that Columbus is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz or Columbus?

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 La Paz or Columbus in the Summer?

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

In July, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the summer, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Columbus. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun.

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Columbus. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Columbus. Many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbus for the shopping scene during these months.

La Paz is much warmer than Columbus in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Columbus. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Paz or Columbus in the Winter?

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

The weather in Columbus can be very cold. In the winter, La Paz is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Columbus averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the winter, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Columbus. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Columbus. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches.

In April, La Paz is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Columbus. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbus and La Paz