Study Ranks Nations Most Fun Cities, Where Does Columbus Fall?

COLUMBUS, GA- A recent study conducted by Wallethub ranks 182 of the most fun cities in the United States. Three cities in Georgia made the list to include Columbus and here is how the city ranked and the methodology used in the findings.

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Wallethub recently looked at 182 cities across the United States to include 150 of the largest cities in the nation and taking into account 32 additional cities that were among the two largest in each state. The study looked at various metrics to rank to the cities in how much fun they are. Those metrics included looking at access to entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and cost associated with entertainment. The study only looked at areas within the city proper and did not include metro areas or surrounding communities.

Out of the 182 cities that were analyzed in the study Columbus ranked 123 nationwide. The Fountain City found its shining star in the area of costs associated with having fun in the city ranking highly among other cities in the study.

According to the data released by Wallethub the cost of entertaining yourself in Columbus ranks 18th nationwide out of the 182 destinations. The cost study included looking at areas such as ticket and admission costs, food and beverage costs, movie costs, bowling costs, and other related costs. Toledo, Ohio; Wichita, Kansas; and Montgomery, Alabama were the top three cities in relation to cost.

The next area the study looked at was nightlife and parties. In this field Columbus ranked low in the study coming in at 160 overall. This area of the study highlighted several areas to include access to bars, number of venues such as pool halls and lounges, time of last call, legality of public drinking, music venues, dance clubs per capita, arts and crafts stores, and comedy clubs per capita.

In the final area which was entertainment and recreation Columbus was ranked low at 160 once again. This area of the study looked at areas such as number of attractions, coffee and tea shops, restaurants per capita, diversity of restaurants, bowling alleys, softball and baseball venues, swimming pools, beaches, and much more.

Overall Columbus earned a total score of 29.44. The top fun city in the nation was Las Vegas, Nevada, which earned a score of 73.78. The study took into account the three largest cities in Georgia by city proper population, which include Atlanta, Columbus, and Augusta.

Of Georgia's three largest cities, Atlanta earned the highest rankings coming in 4th in the nation with a overall score of 55.36. Atlanta ranked 8th in entertainment and recreation, 6th in nightlife and parties, and 124th in cost.

Georgia's third largest city Augusta ranked #140 in the study with a overall score of 27.99. Augusta ranked 163 in entertainment and recreation, 142 in nightlife and parties, and 46 in cost. Across the Stateline in Alabama four cities made the list. Those include Birmingham which came in at 40, Mobile at 59, Huntsville at 87, and Montgomery at 111.

As 2025 approaches and some big announcements are expected for upcoming additions to entertainment and dining options in Columbus, the question becomes will Columbus move up in next years rankings?

You can view the full rankings by clicking here.

You can view the full metrics and methodolgy used in the study by clicking here.