A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Columbia vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Columbia or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Toronto? 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbia travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Toronto travel costs.

Columbia and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Columbia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toronto 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 Toronto are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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

Toronto is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto 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.

Toronto is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 the Shopping Better in Columbia or Toronto?

Toronto 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 Toronto make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto 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.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

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 Toronto Better for Couples?

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

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

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 Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto 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 Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

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

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

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

Toronto has a great public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

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

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Toronto?

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

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

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

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

One day in Columbia or Toronto?

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.

Toronto 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Columbia and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Columbia or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Columbia during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Columbia is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the summer, Columbia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Toronto. Most visitors come to Columbia for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Columbia is much warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbia usually receives more rain than Toronto. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia or Toronto in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. In the winter, Columbia is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

In April, Columbia is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbia usually receives more rain than Toronto. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Columbia