A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Glacier National Park for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Resorts

Should you visit Charleston or Glacier 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 Glacier 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 charming, southern, and quaint 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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Charleston travel costs.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a gorgeous, stunning, and breathtaking park. You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Charleston and Glacier 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
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
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 Glacier National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charleston than Glacier National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charleston is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Glacier National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Charleston and is known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. 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 Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glacier 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 Glacier National Park?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


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

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Charleston or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston is a popular place for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

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.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Charleston or Glacier National Park Better for Music?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston is a popular place for live music. However, Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Charleston or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

With a similar set of options, notable resorts can be found in both Charleston and Glacier National Park.

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.

Glacier National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Is Charleston or Glacier National Park Better for Beaches?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston is notable for its beaches. However, Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Glacier National Park Better for its Old Town?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston is very popular for its historic old town. However, Glacier 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.

Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Charleston or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Glacier National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Glacier National Park?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston is very popular for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Charleston is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Charleston or Glacier National Park More Beautiful?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Glacier 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 Glacier National Park as well. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston and Glacier National Park are both notable destinations for the whole family.

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.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly coastal town. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Charleston or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston is very popular for romance. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

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

Charleston
Glacier National Park

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

Glacier National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Students?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston is a popular place for students. However, Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park is not popular with students.

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

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Both Charleston and Glacier National Park offer respectable 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 Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Charleston or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Charleston
Glacier National Park

Charleston is notable for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

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

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable coastal town. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.


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

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Glacier National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Charleston than Glacier 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 Glacier 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 Glacier 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 Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charleston 2-7 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in Charleston or Glacier National Park?

In Charleston, you'll find food and shopping. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With around the stunning park of Glacier National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. It offers something for everyone.

With around the destination of Glacier 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. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.

Five days in Charleston or Glacier National Park?

Charleston is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Glacier National Park, a popular park, 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 Glacier National Park?

In Charleston, you'll find nightlife and live music. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

Glacier National Park 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.


Which place is cheaper, Glacier 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
    Glacier National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charleston $212
    Glacier National Park $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $212, while the average daily cost in Glacier National Park is $148. 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 Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $90
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $180
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Charleston and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Charleston or Glacier 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 Glacier 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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $33
    Glacier National Park $69

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
  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston Port: $134
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier 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
    Glacier National Park $49
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
  • Tastes Through Time - Charleston's Best Food Tour: $98
  • Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $100
  • Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings: $110
  • Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
  • Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors: $111
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $111
  • Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise: $111
  • Historic Downtown Food Tour: $112
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $116

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charleston $22
    Glacier National Park $34
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 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
  • South Carolina Audio Tour: Charleston Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting: $17

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Many Glacier Self-Guided Audio Tour in Glacier National Park: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Going-to-the-Sun Road Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $16
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $20
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $159
  • Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure: $219
  • E Bike Tour in Glacier National Park Cammas Road: $229
  • Driving Tour West Glacier National Park (excludes Sun Road): $245
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $36
    Glacier National Park $8.41

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
  • 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
  • 108 Elemental Presents Spirits & Spirits: Pub Crawl w/ Adam Miles: $36


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