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

Should you visit Columbia or Chicago?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Chicago? 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbia travel costs.

Chicago

Chicago is a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Chicago is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See Chicago travel costs.

Is there more to do in Columbia or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Columbia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chicago are among the most recognizable in the world. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. 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 Columbia or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Columbia is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Chicago draw crowds from around the world. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Columbia is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

For foodies, Chicago is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Columbia or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Chicago is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Columbia or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is renowned for its live music scene. However, Columbia is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Chicago The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Columbia is not a live music destination.

Is Columbia or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a popular place for the beach. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Chicago is a good option for a beach vacation. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Chicago?

Chicago is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Chicago make it a world-class shopping destination. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Columbia or Chicago More Beautiful?

Chicago is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chicago is a beautiful place to visit, too. The water makes this city a truly unique place to explore, and the world class architecture is not to be missed.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Chicago is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. 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 Columbia or Chicago Better for Couples?

Chicago is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Chicago makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

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 Columbia or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

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 Columbia or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is renowned for students. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Chicago. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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

Chicago is renowned for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Chicago has a great public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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 Columbia or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Chicago?

In either Columbia or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Columbia because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

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

One day in Columbia or Chicago?

In Columbia, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Chicago is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Columbia or Chicago?

In Columbia, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbia has to offer.

Chicago is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Five days in Columbia or Chicago?

Columbia is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Chicago is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chicago, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Columbia. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbia and Chicago, we can see that Chicago 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Columbia Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Chicago?

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

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 Columbia or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Chicago. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Columbia is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Chicago. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Chicago in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Columbia is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the autumn, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Chicago can be very cold during winter. Columbia is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

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

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Chicago. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Columbia during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Columbia is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the spring, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Columbia usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Columbia