A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. Columbia River Gorge for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

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 New York City and Columbia River Gorge. 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.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

New York City and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City. Although New York City and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, New York City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New York City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Columbia River Gorge and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is New York City different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

New York City is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Theater?

New York City is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in New York City. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Columbia River Gorge is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New York City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

New York City is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to New York City just to party. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Music?

New York City is a world-class destination for live music. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a live music destination.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Columbia River Gorge is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

New York City is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Christmas?

New York City is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Columbia River Gorge does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Columbia River Gorge does not offer Christmas activities.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Columbia River Gorge does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City offers plenty of Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Columbia River Gorge does not offer Christmas markets.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Both New York City and Columbia River Gorge are great family-friendly destinations.

New York City is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Columbia River Gorge is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

New York City is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its romantic activities.

New York City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City and Columbia River Gorge are both great destinations for backpackers.

New York City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Columbia River Gorge is a great city to visit for backpackers. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Students?

New York City is a world-class destination for students. However, Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in New York City can get you around easily. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is New York City or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

New York City is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or New York City?

How long in New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New York City and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Columbia River Gorge 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 New York City.

One day in New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

New York City is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit New York City for five days. New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many people spend one week here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, one week is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 700 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of New York City and Columbia River Gorge, 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 New York City or Columbia River Gorge?

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 New York City or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New York City as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

New York City is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. New York City usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

Both Columbia River Gorge and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, New York City is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New York City in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In October, New York City usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New York City or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and New York City during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

It's quite cold in Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The weather in New York City can be very cold. In January, New York City is generally much colder than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 31°F (-1°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Columbia River Gorge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. New York City usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Columbia River Gorge. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty.

New York City is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, New York City usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and New York City