Which place is cheaper, Columbus or Orlando?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Orlando or Columbus? 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 is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and theater.
Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Orlando than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Orlando, Orlando has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Columbus is known for its museums. Orlando is more touristy than Columbus and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbus and Orlando. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Columbus is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.
Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.
Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.
Orlando is a popular place for theatre. However, Columbus is not a theatre destination.
You'll find a nice selection of shows in Orlando. 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.
Columbus is not a theatre destination.
Orlando 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 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.
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.
The vibe at night is good in both Orlando and Columbus.
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 Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.
Orlando is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus 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.
Columbus is not a resort destination.
Orlando 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 Orlando. 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.
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.
Orlando is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Columbus does not offer Christmas activities.
Orlando offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.
Columbus does not offer Christmas activities.
Orlando is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.
Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. 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.
Orlando is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.
Orlando is a nice destination for couples. 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.
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.
Orlando is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.
Plenty of students 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.
Columbus is not popular with students.
Orlando and Columbus both offer decent 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.
Columbus is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.
Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.
Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.
For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Columbus Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orlando or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Columbus 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 Columbus.
Families should spend more time in Orlando than Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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 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 Orlando.
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 Columbus, 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.
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 Columbus, 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 Columbus has to offer.
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.
Columbus 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.
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 Columbus. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Columbus. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $321, while the average daily cost in Columbus is $158. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Orlando and Columbus in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Orlando or Columbus? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:
Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Columbus and Orlando change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:
For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.
For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Columbus, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Columbus.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orlando Expensive? and Is Columbus Expensive?.
Columbus has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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.
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Columbus. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.
Orlando is a little warmer than Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Columbus. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Columbus. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Orlando is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).
Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Columbus and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Orlando is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
In January, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Columbus and Orlando during the spring are popular places to visit.
Orlando is much warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
Orlando usually gets less rain in April than Columbus. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Orlando | Columbus | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Feb | 62°F (16°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
Apr | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
May | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |