A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Valdosta vs. Columbia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valdosta or Columbia?

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

Should I visit Valdosta or Columbia? 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: Valdosta or Columbia?

Valdosta

Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.

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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Columbia or Valdosta?

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

  • Valdosta Prices
    USA Prices
    Columbia Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Valdosta $169
    Columbia $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Valdosta is $169, 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 Valdosta and Columbia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valdosta $70
    Columbia -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valdosta $140
    Columbia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Valdosta and Columbia

Looking for a hotel in Valdosta 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 Valdosta


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: Valdosta Hotel Prices and Columbia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valdosta $34
    Columbia -

Is it cheaper to fly into Valdosta or Columbia?

Prices for flights to both Columbia and Valdosta 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
    Valdosta $77
    Columbia $8.70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valdosta $19
    Columbia -

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
    Valdosta $27
    Columbia $88


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valdosta and Columbia, we can see that Valdosta is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Valdosta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valdosta 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 Valdosta Expensive? and Is Columbia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Valdosta or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Valdosta. When comparing the sizes of Valdosta 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 Valdosta or Columbia?

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 Valdosta or Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Valdosta during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

Valdosta is around the same temperature as Columbia in the summer. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdosta. Valdosta usually gets more rain in July than Columbia. Valdosta gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valdosta 82°F (28°C) 
    Columbia 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Valdosta or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdosta and Columbia. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Valdosta is a little warmer than Columbia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valdosta in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In October, Valdosta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Valdosta gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valdosta 69°F (20°C) 
    Columbia 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Valdosta or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valdosta as well as Columbia. Additionally, many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Valdosta is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 51°F (11°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Valdosta usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Columbia. Valdosta gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valdosta 51°F (11°C) 
    Columbia 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Valdosta or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Valdosta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Valdosta is around the same temperature as Columbia in the spring. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Valdosta. In April, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Columbia. Valdosta gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valdosta 67°F (19°C) 
    Columbia 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Columbia and Valdosta

Valdosta Columbia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)