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

Should you visit Columbus or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Aspen? 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Aspen travel costs.

Columbus and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Columbus is more popular for its museums and attractions. Aspen is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbus or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Columbus is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Columbus is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbus or Aspen?

Columbus is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbus. 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.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Columbus or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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 Columbus or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Aspen has a large number of nightlife venues. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a very popular place for live music. However, Columbus is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Aspen while you're in town. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Columbus is not a live music destination.

Is Columbus or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen 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 Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Aspen?

Aspen is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Columbus or Aspen More Beautiful?

Aspen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Aspen Better for Families?

Columbus is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Columbus is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Columbus or Aspen Better for Couples?

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

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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

Aspen is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Aspen has some public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Columbus or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Aspen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Aspen?

In Columbus, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this welcoming destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. 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.

A weekend in Columbus or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen 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 Columbus or Aspen?

Columbus is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Columbus. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Columbus or Aspen?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the down-to-earth destination of Columbus. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen 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 ski town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Aspen?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Aspen, 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.