A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbus vs. Sun Valley for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Columbus or Sun Valley?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Sun Valley? 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. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbus travel costs.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and active town. Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Columbus and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Sun Valley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Columbus and Sun Valley are both popular with visitors, Sun Valley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sun Valley is more popular for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is known for its museums and attractions. Sun Valley is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also home to Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbus or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

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

If you're an avid snow skiier, Sun Valley should be on your list. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Columbus is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbus or Sun Valley?

Columbus is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

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

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

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 Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and Sun Valley.

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.

Sun Valley has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Columbus or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

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

Sun Valley is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Sun Valley?

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

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.

Sun Valley offers some nice shopping areas. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Columbus or Sun Valley More Beautiful?

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

Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sun Valley is a very family-friendly destination. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Columbus or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

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

Sun Valley makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sun Valley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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

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

Public transit in Sun Valley is fairly effecient and thorough. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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 Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sun Valley. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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 Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Sun Valley?

Both Columbus and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Columbus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Columbus or Sun Valley?

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Columbus, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbus, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful town of Sun Valley offers nightlife and food. 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 Sun Valley?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbus, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley?

Columbus, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Columbus is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sun Valley is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sun Valley has to offer. 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 Sun Valley, we can see that Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Sun Valley?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 500 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Sun Valley, 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.