A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. The Hamptons for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Columbia or The Hamptons?

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

Should I visit Columbia or The Hamptons? 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 suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbia travel costs.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a opulent, lavish, and wealthy beach destination. The Hamptons is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Columbia and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or The Hamptons?

Travelers will usually find more to do in The Hamptons. Although Columbia and The Hamptons are popular destinations, The Hamptons has more sights and attractions for tourists. The Hamptons is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Columbia attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. The Hamptons is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. It is also well known for The Montauk Lighthouse. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Columbia is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Columbia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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

The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

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 The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Both Columbia and The Hamptons are nice when it comes to 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Columbia or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

The Hamptons is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

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

The Hamptons is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Columbia or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

The Hamptons is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons make it a world-class shopping destination. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

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 The Hamptons More Beautiful?

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

The Hamptons is a beautiful place to visit, too. For a beautiful, upscale setting, this is a great destination near NYC.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbia or The Hamptons.

Columbia is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

The Hamptons is a family-friendly city. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is Columbia or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

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

The Hamptons is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 The Hamptons Better for Students?

Columbia is a city with good options for students. However, The Hamptons is not popular with students.

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

The Hamptons is not popular with students.

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

Columbia is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Columbia or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

The Hamptons is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable place. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

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 The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or The Hamptons?

Both Columbia and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Columbia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

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

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

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

One day in Columbia or The Hamptons?

In Columbia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this suburban city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

The beach destination of The Hamptons offers nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 The Hamptons?

Columbia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The Hamptons 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.

Five days in Columbia or The Hamptons?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the welcoming destination of Columbia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The Hamptons is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hamptons, 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 The Hamptons?

Columbia is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The Hamptons is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hamptons has to offer. This beach destination 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 The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia or The Hamptons?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Columbia and The Hamptons, 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 The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and The Hamptons. Many visitors come to Columbia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Columbia is generally a little warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbia as well as The Hamptons. Most visitors come to Columbia for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Columbia is a little warmer than The Hamptons in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Columbia usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as The Hamptons. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Columbia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

It's quite cold in The Hamptons in the winter. In the winter, Columbia is much warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or The Hamptons in the Spring?

Both The Hamptons and Columbia during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Columbia is generally much warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Columbia usually gets less rain in April than The Hamptons. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Columbia