A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. Columbia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Havana or Columbia?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Havana and Columbia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Columbia?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Columbia

Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Columbia or Havana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
    Columbia Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Havana $74
    Columbia $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $74, while the average daily cost in Columbia is $0.00. 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 Havana and Columbia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $42
    Columbia -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $84
    Columbia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Havana and Columbia

Looking for a hotel in Havana or Columbia? 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.

Hotels in Havana


Hotels in Columbia


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: Columbia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Havana $19
    Columbia -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Columbia?

Prices for flights to both Columbia and Havana 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Havana $18
    Columbia $8.70
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Havana $11
    Columbia -

Tours and Activities in Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Tours and Activities in Columbia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:

  • Lanterns and Lunacy of the Lost: Cruel Columbia Ghost Tours: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Havana $5.76
    Columbia $88
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Columbia, we can see that Havana is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Columbia is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Havana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Havana than you might in Columbia.

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


Which is Bigger, Havana or Columbia?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Havana and Columbia, 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 Havana or Columbia?

Columbia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Columbia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Columbia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Columbia because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 27°C (81°F), and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Havana usually receives less rain than Columbia. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Havana 27°C (81°F) 
    Columbia 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Havana or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Havana as well as Columbia. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

Havana is a little warmer than Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Havana usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Columbia. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    Columbia 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Havana or Columbia in the Winter?

Both Columbia and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Havana is much warmer than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Havana in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In January, Havana usually receives less rain than Columbia. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    Columbia 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Havana or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Havana during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Havana is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 24°C (75°F), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Havana usually gets less rain in April than Columbia. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Havana 24°C (75°F) 
    Columbia 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Columbia and Havana

Havana Columbia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)