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

Should you visit Orlando or Columbia?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Columbia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Orlando

Orlando is a entertaining, active, and family-friendly city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Orlando and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Columbia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando than Columbia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Orlando is very popular for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Columbia attracts visitors for its museums. Orlando is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also well known for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Orlando different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbia is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Columbia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Columbia Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Columbia is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Columbia is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Orlando and Columbia.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Orlando or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Orlando is renowned for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Columbia?

Orlando 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.

Orlando is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Columbia Better for Christmas?

Orlando is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Columbia does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Columbia does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Columbia Better for Families?

Orlando 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, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. 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 Orlando or Columbia Better for Couples?

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

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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 Orlando or Columbia Better for Students?

For students, both Orlando and Columbia are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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

Orlando and Columbia both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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

Is Orlando or Columbia a more walkable city?

Neither Orlando or Columbia are walkable places.

Orlando is not a very walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Columbia?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orlando 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 Orlando.

One day in Orlando or Columbia?

The city of Orlando offers food and shopping. 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.

In Columbia, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Orlando or Columbia?

Orlando is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Columbia, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbia has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Columbia?

Orlando 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.

Columbia is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Columbia?

Orlando is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Columbia. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Columbia?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Orlando during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

In the summer, Orlando is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orlando in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbia averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Columbia. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Columbia. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene.

In October, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 75°F (24°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Columbia. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orlando or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Columbia. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Orlando is much warmer than Columbia in the winter. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Columbia. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Orlando is a little warmer than Columbia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orlando in April average around 72°F (22°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Orlando