A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Attractions

Should you visit Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 quaint, historic, and classic coastal town. With stunning beauty, Charleston attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Charleston travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Charleston and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charleston. Although Charleston and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors for its small town charm. Charleston is famous for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Charleston different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charleston. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Charleston have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Music?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Both Charleston and Carmel-by-the-Sea have high quality beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Charleston. 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.

The beaches at Carmel-by-the-Sea attract visitors from all over. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Charleston is one of the most recognized in 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Charleston is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Charleston is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Charleston and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Charleston is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Charleston is renowned for couples. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Charleston is a great coastal town for couples, as it 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Charleston and Carmel-by-the-Sea offer reasonable 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Charleston and Carmel-by-the-Sea both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

For even more information, also check out Is Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charleston and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Families should spend more time in Charleston than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

One day in Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Charleston, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the picturesque coastal town of Charleston, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and live music around the charming destination of Charleston, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Charleston is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charleston and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Charleston is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Charleston is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Charleston. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Charleston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Charleston is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charleston in October average around 67°F (19°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Charleston usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Charleston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Charleston is generally cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 47°F (9°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Charleston usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Charleston is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Charleston usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Charleston