A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Bryce Canyon National Park for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park, 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 southern, quaint, and historic 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. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches. See Charleston travel costs.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a breathtaking, spectacular, and other-worldly park. You'll find world class beauty in Bryce Canyon National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Bryce Canyon National Park travel costs.

Charleston and Bryce Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charleston. Although Charleston and Bryce Canyon National Park are both popular with visitors, Charleston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Charleston is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Bryce Canyon National Park is more touristy than Charleston and is popular for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. 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.

How is Charleston different from Bryce Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is very good for its historical sights. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.


Is the Food Better in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Charleston has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a couple of restaurants within the park. Just outside the park there are a number of options as well, including large buffets that cater to large tour groups and the tourist crowds. It's best to arrive early for these buffets.

Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Charleston has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Bryce Canyon National Park for the nightlife. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Music?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is very good for its live music scene. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its resorts.

With a selection of resorts, Charleston makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

You might not think of Bryce Canyon National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and the hotels outside the park are mostly operated by Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon Resort.

Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Beaches?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Charleston is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for its Old Town?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is very popular for its old town. However, Bryce Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Charleston has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is an amazing park to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Bryce Canyon National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking through the iconic hoodoos is a truly magical experience. There are shorter hikes such as the Mossy Cave Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail. There are also more intense hikes and even a number of backcountry trails that will let you experience the park on a more personal level.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Charleston draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park More Beautiful?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is an amazing park to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Bryce Canyon National Park as well. This park is one of the most uniquely beautiful, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the colors glow and the hoodoos have a magical quality.

Charleston is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The charming history, beautiful architecture, and historic churches all make this city one of the most beautiful in the southern United States.


Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The kids will be as mesmerized as the adults with this spectacular park. There are great hikes for the whole family as well as horseback riding and ranger programs. For the best horseback riding experience, it's best to book your ride within the park. There are also private vendors that offer options outside the park.

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 Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Bryce Canyon National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Charleston has plenty to offer. 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The spectacular sunset views make this a truly romantic destination. The colors and setting are surreal and the hikes are spectacular. Couples will find a range of accommodation options that include large resort hotels just outside the park and camping within the park.

Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. For most visitors, this park is a short stop, but for those who want to experience it in depth, there are many backcountry hikes that let you enjoy a very different side to the park. You'll need a permit, but the backcountry lets you enjoy a peaceful solitude that you won't find in the more touristy areas.

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 Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Students?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Charleston. 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Both Charleston and Bryce Canyon National Park 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 Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle travels to the most popular overlooks. It doesn't operate during the winter months.

Is Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Charleston
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charleston is a great coastal town for its high level of walkability. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Bryce Canyon National Park is generally not very walkable. Most of the trails require a car to access. If you're staying outside the park, you'll also want a private vehicle.


For even more information, also check out Is Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Bryce Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In either Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than Bryce Canyon National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bryce Canyon National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Charleston than Bryce Canyon National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charleston than Bryce Canyon National Park 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 Charleston.


  • How many days in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charleston 2-7 
    Bryce Canyon National Park 2-5

One day in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With around the other-worldly park of Bryce Canyon National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With around the destination of Bryce Canyon National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.

Five days in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Bryce Canyon National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this beautiful coastal town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. 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, Bryce Canyon National Park 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
    Bryce Canyon National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charleston $212
    Bryce Canyon National Park $159

The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $212, while the average daily cost in Bryce Canyon National Park is $159. 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 Bryce Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $90
    Bryce Canyon National Park $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $180
    Bryce Canyon National Park $134
Compare Hotels in Charleston and Bryce Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park? 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 Bryce Canyon National Park


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 Bryce Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $33
    Bryce Canyon National Park $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Prices for flights to both Bryce Canyon National Park 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
    Bryce Canyon National Park $56
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
    Bryce Canyon National Park $30
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:

  • 1.5-Hour Charleston Harbor Cruise with Live Narration: $42
  • 2 Hours Shem Creek Safari Kayak Tour: $52
  • 2 of Charleston's finest plantations in one tour: $140
  • 2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston: $54
  • 2-Hour Tiki Boat Tour in Folly Beach: $75
  • 2hr Private River Cruise with stop at Morris Island: $325
  • 3 Hour Bus Tour and Self Paced Audio Tour of Aiken Rhett House: $50
  • 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • 90 Minute Sightseeing Bus Tour of Historic Charleston: $32
  • 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour : $37
  • A Ghost Tour with 10 ORIGINAL Stories AND Equipment!: $35
  • Afternoon Charleston Harbor Boat Cruise: Family Friendly Scenic: $58

Tours and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bryce Canyon National Park.

  • Bryce Canyon National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Bryce Canyon National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon: $69
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah 1.5 Hour Ride: $90
  • Horseback Riding Experience through Red Canyon with a Guide: $105
  • Bryce Canyon E-bike Tour : $115
  • Hiking Experience in Bryce Canyon National Park: $120
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah Half Day Ride: $125
  • Zebra Slot Canyon Hiking Tour in Escalante: $139
  • Peekaboo, Spooky and Dry Fork Slot Canyon Tour: $139
  • Bryce Canyon Private Tour: $149
  • Half Day Canyoneering Tour in Egypt Slot Canyon: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $36
    Bryce Canyon National Park $6.78

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


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

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