A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Columbus for Attractions, Families, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a vibrant, youthful, and lively city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Tallahassee and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Columbus?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tallahassee than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Tallahassee, Tallahassee has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities. Also, Tallahassee is famous for Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Tallahassee different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tallahassee or Columbus?

Tallahassee
Columbus

Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

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 Tallahassee or Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Columbus

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tallahassee and Columbus can be difficult as they are each respectable in their own way.

Tallahassee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Columbus offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Tallahassee or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Columbus

The vibe at night is notable in both Tallahassee and Columbus.

If you're looking for night time activities Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Columbus?

Tallahassee
Columbus

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Columbus both offer plenty of notable spots.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Columbus is a great destination for shopping. 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 Tallahassee or Columbus Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Columbus

Columbus is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Tallahassee or Columbus Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Columbus

Neither Tallahassee or Columbus is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Tallahassee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Columbus is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Tallahassee or Columbus Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Columbus

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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 Tallahassee or Columbus Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Columbus

Tallahassee is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Columbus

Tallahassee and Columbus both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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 Tallahassee or Columbus a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Columbus

Columbus is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tallahassee or Columbus to fill your time. In our opinion, Tallahassee has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tallahassee than Columbus. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Columbus? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Columbus 1-2

One day in Tallahassee or Columbus?

The city of Tallahassee offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Columbus. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Columbus?

Tallahassee 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tallahassee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Columbus. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Tallahassee or Columbus?

Tallahassee 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.

The authentic city of Columbus offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Tallahassee or Columbus?

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Columbus. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Columbus or Tallahassee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, 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 Tallahassee and Columbus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Columbus $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Columbus

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee 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.

Hotels in Tallahassee


Hotels in Columbus


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Columbus $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Columbus?

Prices for flights to both Columbus and Tallahassee 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tallahassee $47
    Columbus $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Columbus $46

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $247
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $482
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $375

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Columbus $20


When comparing the travel costs between Tallahassee and Columbus, we can see that Columbus is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Columbus?

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.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Columbus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Columbus. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Columbus in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallahassee is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallahassee in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Columbus. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Columbus 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Columbus. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Columbus for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tallahassee is generally a little warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 69°F (20°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Columbus 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Tallahassee is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Columbus. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Tallahassee during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Tallahassee is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallahassee in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Columbus. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Columbus 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Columbus and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Columbus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)