A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Columbus for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum 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 Tulum 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a active, lively, and ancient town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Tulum and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Columbus?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Columbus are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Tulum different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Tulum from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 Tulum or Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum 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 Tulum. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Tulum just to party. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Tulum or Columbus Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Tulum is a great choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Columbus Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Tulum a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Tulum. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Columbus Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Columbus?

Tulum 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 Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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.

Is Tulum or Columbus Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Columbus are excellent to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbus is very family-friendly. 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 Tulum or Columbus Better for Couples?

Tulum is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Tulum makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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.

Is Tulum or Columbus Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tulum is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Columbus a more walkable city?

Tulum is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tulum or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tulum than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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

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

One day in Tulum or Columbus?

The beautiful town of Tulum offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 welcoming 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 Tulum or Columbus?

Tulum is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Tulum or Columbus?

Tulum is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tulum, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Tulum or Columbus?

Tulum is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the welcoming 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Columbus?

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 Tulum or Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is a little warmer than Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Columbus. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun.

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Columbus. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Columbus. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Columbus for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Columbus. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Columbus. Most visitors come to Tulum 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. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Columbus. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is much warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Columbus. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Tulum