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

Should you visit Columbus or Sedona?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Sedona? 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Columbus travel costs.

Sedona

Sedona is a dramatic, scenic, and striking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Sedona is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Sedona travel costs.

Columbus and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Sedona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sedona. Although Columbus and Sedona are popular destinations, Sedona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sedona is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. It is also well known for Red Rock Crossing Park. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Columbus or Sedona.

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.

Sedona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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

Sedona 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 Sedona. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international 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 Sedona Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and Sedona.

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.

Sedona has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Columbus or Sedona Better for Resorts?

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

Sedona is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

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

Sedona is a good destination for visiting its old town. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Is Columbus or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Sedona 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 Sedona. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Sedona?

Sedona is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Sedona. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

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 Sedona More Beautiful?

Sedona is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Sedona is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The surrounded countryside is filled with dramatic desert landscapes and striking red cliffs.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Sedona Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Sedona.

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.

Sedona is a very kid-friendly city. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

Is Columbus or Sedona Better for Couples?

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

Sedona makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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 Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sedona is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Columbus and Sedona.

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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Columbus or Sedona a more walkable city?

Columbus and Sedona are nice 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.

Sedona is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Sedona?

In either Columbus or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sedona 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 Sedona.

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Sedona?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Columbus. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Sedona 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 Sedona?

Columbus is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sedona 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 Sedona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sedona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sedona, 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 Sedona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the down-to-earth destination of Columbus. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sedona is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping 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 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 comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Sedona, we can see that Sedona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Sedona?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Sedona, 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.