A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cherokee vs. Columbia for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Cherokee or Columbia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Columbia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a genuine, fascinating, and cultural town. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Cherokee travel costs.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbia travel costs.

Cherokee and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Columbia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cherokee. Although Cherokee and Columbia are popular destinations, Cherokee has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cherokee is very popular for its food and hiking, while Columbia attracts visitors for its nightlife. Cherokee is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. It is also well known for Oconaluftee Indian Village. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Cherokee different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cherokee or Columbia?

Both Cherokee and Columbia have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Is the Food Better in Cherokee or Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cherokee is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cherokee. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Cherokee or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Columbia is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cherokee or Columbia Better for Hiking?

Cherokee is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Cherokee is a popular spot for hiking. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Columbia?

Both Cherokee and Columbia are nice shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Cherokee or Columbia Better for Families?

Cherokee is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cherokee is a very kid-friendly town. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Columbia is a family-friendly town. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Cherokee or Columbia Better for Couples?

Cherokee is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Cherokee or Columbia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee is a popular place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Cherokee or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a nice place to visit for students. However, Cherokee is not popular with students.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Cherokee is not popular with students.

Is Cherokee or Columbia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Cherokee and Columbia offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Cherokee or Columbia a more walkable city?

Cherokee is a moderate town for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Cherokee is generally not very walkable. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

Columbia is not a very walkable town. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Cherokee Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cherokee or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cherokee than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cherokee, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cherokee than Columbia 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 Cherokee.

One day in Cherokee or Columbia?

The town of Cherokee offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Columbia 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.

A weekend in Cherokee or Columbia?

Cherokee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cherokee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Cherokee or Columbia?

Cherokee 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.

Columbia 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.

A week in Cherokee or Columbia?

Cherokee 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.

Columbia 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee and Columbia, 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 Cherokee or Columbia?

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 Cherokee or Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cherokee is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cherokee in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Columbia averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during summer. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In July, Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cherokee or Columbia in the Autumn?

Both Columbia and Cherokee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia because of the shopping scene.

In October, Cherokee is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 63°F (17°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cherokee. In the autumn, Cherokee often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Cherokee usually gets less rain in October than Columbia. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Columbia. The winter months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. Cherokee is much colder than Columbia in the winter. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Cherokee usually receives less sunshine than Columbia during winter. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Columbia. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cherokee or Columbia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Columbia.

In the spring, Cherokee is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cherokee in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In the spring, Cherokee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Cherokee usually gets more rain in April than Columbia. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Cherokee