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

Should you visit Marathon or Columbus?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Columbus, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marathon

Marathon is a beautiful, relaxing, and quaint island. Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Marathon travel costs.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbus travel costs.

Marathon and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Columbus?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and Columbus are both popular with visitors, Marathon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marathon is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Marathon is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. It is also home to The Dolphin Research Center. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Marathon different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marathon or Columbus?

Columbus is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marathon is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

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 Marathon or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Marathon and Columbus.

If you're looking for night time activities Marathon has a few options to choose from. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Marathon or Columbus Better for Resorts?

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

Marathon is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Columbus Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few good snorkeling spots. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Marathon is considered a top beach destination. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Columbus?

Columbus is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Columbus More Beautiful?

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

Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Columbus Better for Families?

Marathon and Columbus are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Marathon is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Marathon or Columbus Better for Couples?

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

Marathon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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

Columbus is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Columbus a more walkable city?

Columbus is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of 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.

Marathon is generally not very walkable. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marathon or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marathon than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbus than Marathon 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 Columbus.

One day in Marathon or Columbus?

The beautiful island of Marathon offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The city of Columbus offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Columbus?

Marathon 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.

Columbus 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbus, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Columbus?

Marathon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marathon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbus is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Marathon or Columbus?

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marathon has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Columbus is a great place to explore. 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 for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When comparing the travel costs between Marathon and Columbus, we can see that Marathon 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 Marathon Expensive? and Is Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Columbus?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Marathon or Columbus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Columbus. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marathon is a little warmer than Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Marathon usually receives less rain than Columbus. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Columbus. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbus because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the autumn, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Marathon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

It's quite cold in Columbus in the winter. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Columbus. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Marathon during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

Marathon is much warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Columbus. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Marathon