Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Columbus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Columbus or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Columbus or Tucson? 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.
Where Should I go: Columbus or Tucson?
Columbus
The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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.
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Columbus Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColumbus $193Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $193, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Columbus and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColumbus $72Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColumbus $144Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Columbus or Tucson? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Columbus Hotel Prices and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Columbus $50Tucson $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus
Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
- Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
- Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
- Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
- Columbus International Airport Private Transfer with Bus or Coach: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson and Columbus change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayColumbus $85Tucson $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Columbus
For Columbus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Short North Walking Food Tour : $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Columbus $46Tucson $16
Tours and Activities in Columbus
For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Columbus Ohio Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $49
- Experience a Scavenger Hunt in A German Village: $15
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Admission Ticket: $26
- Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience On The Trolley Pub: $39
- The Perfect Half Day Columbus Adventure: $59
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColumbus $20Tucson $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Columbus
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Columbus:
- Columbus Ohio Bar Crawl: $15
When comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Tucson, we can see that Columbus 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 Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Columbus or Tucson?
Columbus has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Tucson. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Tucson, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.