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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Columbus?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbus travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Columbus?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Columbus are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Saint Augustine different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Columbus?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Columbus has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Columbus has a few options to choose from. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbus Better for Beaches?

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

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbus Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Columbus does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Columbus?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Columbus More Beautiful?

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

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbus Better for Families?

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

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbus is very family-friendly. 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 Saint Augustine or Columbus Better for Couples?

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

Saint Augustine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Columbus.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbus a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Augustine or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Augustine than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Columbus?

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 welcoming destination of Columbus offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Columbus?

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The city of Columbus offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Columbus?

Saint Augustine 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.

Columbus is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Columbus?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Columbus. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Columbus?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Columbus in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Columbus. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbus. Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Columbus. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Columbus in the Autumn?

Both Columbus and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbus because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Columbus. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus and Saint Augustine during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Columbus. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Columbus in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Columbus. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Columbus. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Saint Augustine