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

Should you visit Tampa or Columbus?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Columbus

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

Tampa and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Columbus?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tampa than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Tampa, Tampa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tampa is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Columbus is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. Also, Tampa is famous for Busch Gardens. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Tampa different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbus is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbus. 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tampa. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

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 Tampa or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Columbus is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Columbus Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Tampa is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Tampa is considered a top beach destination. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Columbus?

Columbus is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Columbus has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Columbus Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Columbus.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Columbus is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tampa or Columbus Better for Couples?

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

Tampa is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Columbus is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Columbus a more walkable city?

Columbus is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tampa or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tampa than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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

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

One day in Tampa or Columbus?

The city of Tampa offers food. 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.

In Columbus, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tampa or Columbus?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Columbus?

Tampa 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Columbus. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Columbus?

Tampa is a great place to explore. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the down-to-earth destination of Columbus. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Columbus, we can see that Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive? and Is Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Columbus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbus during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Columbus. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Columbus in the Autumn?

Both Columbus and Tampa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene.

In October, Tampa is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Columbus. Many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. Tampa is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Columbus in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Columbus. Many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Tampa is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Columbus. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Tampa