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

Should you visit Columbus or Palm Springs?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Palm Springs? 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.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Columbus and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Columbus and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Palm Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palm Springs is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also home to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Palm Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Palm Springs just to party. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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 Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Palm Springs is a great choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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 Palm Springs Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Palm Springs.

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.

Palm Springs is a very kid-friendly city. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

Is Columbus or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

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

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Columbus and Palm Springs.

Public transit is mostly 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 generally limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Columbus or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Columbus and Palm Springs are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbus or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

One day in Columbus or Palm Springs?

In Columbus, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming 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 city of Palm Springs offers 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 Palm Springs?

Columbus 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.

Palm Springs 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palm Springs, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Palm Springs?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly destination of Columbus. 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.

Palm Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Palm Springs?

Columbus 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.

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 city 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 Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Palm Springs?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Palm Springs. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Columbus is cooler than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In October, Columbus usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Columbus usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Palm Springs.

Columbus is cooler than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Columbus