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

Should you visit Columbus or Beaufort?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Beaufort? 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 authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbus travel costs.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Beaufort is a gorgeous place to visit. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Beaufort travel costs.

Columbus and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Beaufort?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaufort. Although Columbus and Beaufort are both popular with visitors, Beaufort has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaufort is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Columbus is known for its nightlife. Beaufort is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also home to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Columbus or Beaufort.

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

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

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

Beaufort is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Beaufort. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

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 Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Columbus is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort 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 Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Columbus or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Beaufort is a popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Beaufort is a good option for a beach vacation. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Columbus or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Beaufort?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Columbus and Beaufort.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Beaufort offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Columbus or Beaufort More Beautiful?

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

Beaufort is a gorgeous place to visit. There are many beautiful spots to take in nature or watch the sunset.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Beaufort Better for Families?

Columbus is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Columbus is 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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Columbus or Beaufort Better for Couples?

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

Beaufort makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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 Beaufort Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Columbus is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Columbus or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is very walkable. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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 Beaufort Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbus and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaufort than in Columbus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbus than Beaufort 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 Columbus.

One day in Columbus or Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Columbus or Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaufort, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort 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 Columbus or Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

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 Beaufort, we can see that Columbus is more expensive. And not only is Beaufort much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beaufort would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beaufort 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 Columbus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbus than you might in Beaufort.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Beaufort?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Beaufort, 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 Columbus or Beaufort?

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 Columbus or Beaufort in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Beaufort. Many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Columbus is cooler than Beaufort in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Beaufort fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In the summer, Columbus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets less rain in July than Beaufort. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Beaufort in the Autumn?

Both Beaufort and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Columbus is cooler than Beaufort. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Beaufort averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Beaufort during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Beaufort. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Beaufort in the Winter?

Both Beaufort and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbus can be very cold during winter. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Beaufort. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 176 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Beaufort. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Beaufort in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Beaufort. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

Columbus is much colder than Beaufort in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Beaufort during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Beaufort. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Columbus