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

Should you visit Columbus or Nantucket?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Nantucket? 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 down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbus travel costs.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nantucket travel costs.

Columbus and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Nantucket?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Columbus and Nantucket are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

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

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and Nantucket.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Nantucket has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Columbus or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

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

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

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

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Columbus or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Is Columbus or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Nantucket?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket More Beautiful?

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

Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Nantucket Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Nantucket.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly city. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Columbus or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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

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

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbus or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Columbus. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbus has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the down-to-earth destination of Columbus. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantucket, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Columbus. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantucket?

Columbus is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 island 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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Nantucket?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Columbus or Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Nantucket. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Columbus is a little warmer than Nantucket in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Nantucket. Many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Columbus is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Nantucket averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In January, Columbus usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Columbus during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Columbus is much warmer than Nantucket in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Columbus usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Columbus