A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Gatlinburg for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Charleston or Gatlinburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Gatlinburg, 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 historic, classic, and picturesque coastal town. Charleston is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Charleston travel costs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. Other popular activities here include museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Charleston and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charleston than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charleston is better known for its food, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Charleston and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Charleston is well known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park.

How is Charleston different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Charleston is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Charleston is not a skiing destination.

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Charleston or Gatlinburg.

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.

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Charleston is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg Better for Music?

Charleston is very good for live music. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is notable for its resorts. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Charleston has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Charleston is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is renowned for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Gatlinburg?

Charleston is renowned for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Charleston. 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.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg More Beautiful?

Charleston is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Charleston is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Charleston offers lots of family activities. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Charleston is renowned for romance. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Charleston is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

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

Is Charleston or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Charleston and Gatlinburg both are excellent 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.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Charleston or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Charleston due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

Families should spend more time in Charleston than Gatlinburg. 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 Gatlinburg. 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg?

With live music and food around the picturesque coastal town of Charleston, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and skiing around the wild city of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 Gatlinburg?

With food and shopping around the destination of Charleston, there's plenty to do. 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 coastal town.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Charleston or Gatlinburg?

Charleston, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gatlinburg, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Gatlinburg?

Charleston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Gatlinburg?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?

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 Charleston or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking.

In the summer, Charleston is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charleston in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In the summer, Charleston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Charleston because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In October, Charleston is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 67°F (19°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. Charleston usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charleston usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charleston or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Charleston during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. Charleston is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 47°F (9°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Charleston usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Charleston is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charleston in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charleston usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Charleston