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

Should you visit Cherokee or Columbus?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Columbus, 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 cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cherokee travel costs.

Columbus

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

Cherokee and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
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 Cherokee or Columbus?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cherokee. Although Cherokee and Columbus are both popular with visitors, Cherokee has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cherokee is more popular for its food and hiking, while Columbus is known for its nightlife. Cherokee is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. It is also home to Oconaluftee Indian Village. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Cherokee different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbus 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 Columbus?

Cherokee
Columbus

Both Cherokee and Columbus have good 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.

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 Cherokee or Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cherokee
Columbus

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

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 Cherokee or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Cherokee
Columbus

Columbus 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 Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus Better for Hiking?

Cherokee
Columbus

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Columbus?

Cherokee
Columbus

Both Cherokee and Columbus are good 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 Columbus. 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 Cherokee or Columbus Better for Families?

Cherokee
Columbus

Cherokee and Columbus are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Cherokee is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Cherokee or Columbus Better for Couples?

Cherokee
Columbus

Cherokee is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee or Columbus Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee
Columbus

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

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

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

Cherokee
Columbus

Both Cherokee and Columbus offer decent 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Cherokee or Columbus a more walkable city?

Cherokee
Columbus

Columbus is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

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

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


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

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cherokee or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cherokee than Columbus 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 Columbus.

Couples should spend more time in Cherokee than Columbus. 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 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 Cherokee.


  • How many days in Cherokee or Columbus? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cherokee 2-4 
    Columbus 1-2

One day in Cherokee or Columbus?

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 Columbus 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 Columbus?

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.

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

Five days in Cherokee or Columbus?

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.

Columbus 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 Columbus?

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.

Columbus 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.


Which place is cheaper, Columbus or Cherokee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
    Columbus Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cherokee $186
    Columbus $193

The average daily cost (per person) in Cherokee is $186, while the average daily cost in Columbus is $193. 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 Cherokee and Columbus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cherokee $158
    Columbus $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cherokee $316
    Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Cherokee and Columbus

Looking for a hotel in Cherokee 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 Cherokee


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: Cherokee Hotel Prices and Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Columbus $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus International Airport Private Transfer with Bus or Coach: $90
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212

Is it cheaper to fly into Cherokee or Columbus?

Prices for flights to both Columbus and Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27
    Columbus $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Columbus

For Columbus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Short North Walking Food Tour : $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Columbus $46

Tours and Activities in Columbus

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Experience a Scavenger Hunt in A German Village: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Columbus Ohio Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Admission Ticket: $26
  • Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience On The Trolley Pub: $39
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $49
  • The Perfect Half Day Columbus Adventure: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cherokee -
    Columbus $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbus

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Columbus:

  • Columbus Ohio Bar Crawl: $15


When comparing the travel costs between Cherokee 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 Cherokee Expensive? and Is Columbus Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee or Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Cherokee during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cherokee is around the same temperature as Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 81°F (27°C) 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 Cherokee. In the summer, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Cherokee gets 294 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 Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Columbus. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C) 
    Columbus 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Columbus. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbus because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cherokee is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cherokee in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during autumn. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Columbus. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C) 
    Columbus 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Columbus. The winter months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

It's quite cold in Columbus in the winter. The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. In January, Cherokee is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 40°F (5°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cherokee usually gets more rain in January than Columbus. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C) 
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Cherokee is a little warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during spring. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Columbus. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C) 
    Columbus 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Columbus and Cherokee

Cherokee Columbus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)