Which place is cheaper, Columbus or Valdosta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Valdosta or Columbus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdosta 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.
Where Should I go: Valdosta or Columbus?
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
Columbus
The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdosta $136Columbus $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdosta is $136, 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 Valdosta and Columbus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdosta $70Columbus $72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdosta $140Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Valdosta and Columbus
Looking for a hotel in Valdosta 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Valdosta Hotel Prices and Columbus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdosta $34Columbus $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: $131
- 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 Valdosta or Columbus?
Prices for flights to both Columbus and Valdosta 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
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Food Meals for one dayValdosta $45Columbus $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdosta $19Columbus $46
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
- Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdosta $27Columbus $20
When comparing the travel costs between Valdosta 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 Valdosta Expensive? and Is Columbus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdosta or Columbus?
Columbus has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Valdosta. When comparing the sizes of Valdosta 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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta or Columbus in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdosta and Columbus. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.
In July, Valdosta is generally a little warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Valdosta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Columbus. Valdosta gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyValdosta 82°F (28°C)Columbus 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Columbus in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Valdosta as well as Columbus. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene.
Valdosta is a little warmer than Columbus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 69°F (20°C) in October, and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Valdosta usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Valdosta gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberValdosta 69°F (20°C)Columbus 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Columbus in the Winter?
Both Columbus and Valdosta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 the winter, Valdosta is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valdosta in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Columbus averages at about 30°F (-1°C).
In January, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Columbus. Valdosta gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryValdosta 51°F (11°C)Columbus 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Columbus in the Spring?
Both Columbus and Valdosta during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Valdosta is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 67°F (19°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdosta. Valdosta usually gets more rain in April than Columbus. Valdosta gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilValdosta 67°F (19°C)Columbus 54°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Columbus and Valdosta
| Valdosta | 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.