A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Breckenridge for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Charleston or Breckenridge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Breckenridge, 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.

Charleston

Charleston is a classic, picturesque, and charming coastal town. The beauty of Charleston is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Charleston travel costs.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a charming, breathtaking, and adventurous ski resort. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Breckenridge attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Breckenridge travel costs.

Charleston and Breckenridge: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular old town


Is there more to do in Charleston or Breckenridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charleston. Although Charleston and Breckenridge are both popular with visitors, Charleston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Charleston is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Breckenridge is known for its skiing, hiking, christmas markets, and small town charm. Charleston is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also home to The Waterfront Park. Breckenridge is popular for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment.

How is Charleston different from Breckenridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Skiing?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is an amazing ski resort to visit for snow skiing. However, Charleston is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Breckenridge is among the best in the world. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

Charleston is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charleston or Breckenridge?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Charleston is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

Charleston offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Charleston or Breckenridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Charleston is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Charleston is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

Breckenridge is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Nightlife?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Evening events are good in both Charleston and Breckenridge.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.


Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Music?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Charleston is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Breckenridge is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Charleston is active and vibrant. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Breckenridge is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Resorts?

Charleston
Breckenridge

With a similar set of options, good resorts can be found in both Charleston and Breckenridge.

Charleston has a few great resort options. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Breckenridge has a handful of resorts to choose from. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.

Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Beaches?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Charleston is a well-known place for the beach. However, Breckenridge is not a beach destination.

Charleston is considered a top beach destination. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Breckenridge is not a beach destination.


Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for its Old Town?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Charleston is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Charleston is revered around the world. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Breckenridge has an old town worth visiting. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Hiking?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Breckenridge has hiking trails worth exploring. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Breckenridge?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Charleston is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Charleston make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.


Is Charleston or Breckenridge More Beautiful?

Charleston
Breckenridge

You'll find a similar quality of very good scenery and beauty in both Charleston and Breckenridge.

With stunning beauty, Charleston attracts visitors from all around. The charming history, beautiful architecture, and historic churches all make this city one of the most beautiful in the southern United States.

Breckenridge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The beautiful mountains make a great backdrop for one of the area's best ski resorts.

Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Families?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Breckenridge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

Charleston is a family-friendly coastal town. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Couples?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Charleston is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for couples.

Charleston makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

Breckenridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.


Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Breckenridge. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

Charleston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Hotels in the old town tend to be pricey and there isn't the backpacker community that you find in many other destinations. Still, there are a couple of hostels.

Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Students?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Charleston is a popular place for students. However, Breckenridge is not popular with students.

Charleston is a good coastal town to visit for students. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Breckenridge is not popular with students.

Is Charleston or Breckenridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Both Charleston and Breckenridge offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.


Is Charleston or Breckenridge a more walkable city?

Charleston
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is an amazing ski resort to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Breckenridge on foot. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

Charleston is very walkable. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Breckenridge or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Breckenridge?

Both Charleston and Breckenridge have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Charleston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Charleston than Breckenridge. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 3-7 days is enough time in Breckenridge.

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

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


  • How many days in Charleston or Breckenridge? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charleston 2-7 
    Breckenridge 3-7

One day in Charleston or Breckenridge?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic coastal town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Breckenridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Charleston or Breckenridge?

Charleston is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Breckenridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Charleston or Breckenridge?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this picturesque destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Breckenridge, a popular ski resort, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this ski resort. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Breckenridge?

Charleston is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Breckenridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this ski resort makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this ski resort has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Breckenridge or Charleston?

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

  • Charleston Prices
    USA Prices
    Breckenridge Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charleston $212
    Breckenridge $301

The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $212, while the average daily cost in Breckenridge is $301. 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 Charleston and Breckenridge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $90
    Breckenridge $143
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $180
    Breckenridge $286
Compare Hotels in Charleston and Breckenridge

Looking for a hotel in Charleston or Breckenridge? 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 Charleston


Hotels in Breckenridge


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: Charleston Hotel Prices and Breckenridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $33
    Breckenridge $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • From Boone Hall Plantation Entry with Transfers: $71
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
  • Private Transfer from Charleston City to Charleston Cruise Port: $125
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Port to Charleston Airport (CHS): $134
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston Port: $134
  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
  • Isle of Palms/Sullivans to Charleston AirportCHS Private Transfer: $147
  • Folly Beach to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $147
  • Kiawah/Seabrook Islands to Charleston Airport (CHS) – Departure Private Transfer: $208
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $268
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Folly Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $294
  • Charleston AirportCHS to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Private Transfer: $294

Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or Breckenridge?

Prices for flights to both Breckenridge and Charleston 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
    Charleston $100
    Breckenridge $119
Typical Food Prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:


  • Lunch in downtown Charleston for two
    $21
  • Breakfast
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.

  • Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Hands-on Cooking Class in Charleston: $89
  • Tastes Through Time - Charleston's Best Food Tour!: $96
  • Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $100
  • Tastes Through Time - Charleston's Best Food Tour: $109
  • Charleston Brunch Food Tour: Biscuits, Shrimps, Grits and More: $110
  • Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings: $110
  • Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
  • Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $111
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $111
  • Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors: $111
  • Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charleston $22
    Breckenridge $82
Typical Entertainment Prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:


  • Patriots Point (for 2)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Charleston

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

  • Charleston Self-Guided Ghost Tour in 12 Languages: $5.00
  • Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour: $6.75
  • Charleston Historic Downtown Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
  • Charleston Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.78
  • Charleston Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Self-Guided "The French Quarter Charleston" Solo Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Charleston Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Window into American History: A Self-guided Charleston Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Charleston Self Guided Ghost Tour in 12 Languages: $10
  • Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • South Carolina Audio Tour: Charleston Audio Tour Adventure: $15

Tours and Activities in Breckenridge

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

  • Breckenridge Downtown Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Smartphone Driving Tour b/w Breckenridge & Denver: $12
  • Self-Guided Breckenridge Scavenger Hunt: Breckenridge Adventure: $12
  • Breckenridge Tours - Strange but True: $33
  • Breckenridge Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Breckenridge Tours - Ghostly Tales : $35
  • Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more: $47
  • Astronomy Tour in Breckenridge : $59
  • Island Kayak Tour Experience in Frisco: $65
  • Half-Day Upper Colorado River Float Tour from Kremmling: $94
  • Ridden-Fall Foliage EBike Guided Tour of Breckenridge: $95
  • Self Guided Ebike Tour of Breckenridge Lake Loop: $108

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $36
    Breckenridge $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:

  • Charleston Bar Hunt: Charleston Chase Bar Crawl: $13
  • Striped Pig Distillery Tour and Tasting: $22
  • Charleston’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Charleston Women and Wine Tour: $34
  • Women and Wine Tour: $34
  • Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl for the Broken-Hearted: $35
  • Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston : $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl for the Broken-Hearted: $35
  • Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Breckenridge

Also in Breckenridge, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ridden-Fall Foliage Breckenridge Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour: $85
  • Ridden-Breckenridge Fat Bike Beer and Distillery Tour: $85


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charleston and Breckenridge, we can see that Breckenridge is more expensive. And not only is Charleston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charleston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charleston 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 Breckenridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Breckenridge than you might in Charleston.

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


Which is Bigger, Charleston or Breckenridge?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Breckenridge, 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.