A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. North Conway for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Charleston or North Conway?

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

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

Where Should I go: Charleston or North Conway?

Charleston

Charleston is a beautiful, southern city and seaport town in South Carolina. It has a wonderful, historic downtown area that the city government works hard to maintain. Located on a peninsula that is created by two rivers, the city is a stunning setting with much character. It is a popular place to visit for its culture, architecture and cuisine. In recent years Charleston has gained popularity and it continues to grow as both a regional and international travel destination. With its rising popularity comes increasing costs. Travel costs continue to go up as restaurants and hotels raise their prices, particularly during the peak travel season and holiday periods.

North Conway

North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.

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, North Conway 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
    North Conway Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charleston $212
    North Conway $270

The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $212, while the average daily cost in North Conway is $270. 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 North Conway in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $90
    North Conway $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $180
    North Conway $250
Compare Hotels in Charleston and North Conway

Looking for a hotel in Charleston or North Conway? 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 North Conway


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 North Conway Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $33
    North Conway $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • 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
  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston Port: $134
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
  • From Boone Hall Plantation Entry with Transfers: $71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in North Conway

Also for North Conway, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $100
  • Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $100
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or North Conway?

Prices for flights to both North Conway 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
    North Conway $110
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
    North Conway $38
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-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
  • 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
  • Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor: $44
  • Beat The Heat! Evening Walking History Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in North Conway

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for North Conway.

  • Kancamagus highway GPS Smartphone Audio Driving Tour App : $9.50
  • Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide: $15
  • Meet the Cider Makers with Rhythm Cidery Lincoln Tour: $40
  • Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $36
    North Conway $33

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 North Conway, we can see that North Conway 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 North Conway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in North Conway 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 North Conway Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Charleston or North Conway?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and North Conway, 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 North Conway?

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 North Conway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charleston as well as North Conway. Many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Charleston is generally a little warmer than North Conway. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 82°F (28°C), and North Conway fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in North Conway. 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 North Conway. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while North Conway receives 282 hours of full sun.

Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston usually gets more rain in July than North Conway. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charleston 82°F (28°C) 
    North Conway 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Charleston or North Conway in the Autumn?

Both North Conway and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Charleston is much warmer than North Conway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 67°F (19°C) in October, and North Conway fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as North Conway during autumn. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while North Conway receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charleston usually receives less rain than North Conway. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charleston 67°F (19°C) 
    North Conway 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Charleston or North Conway in the Winter?

Both North Conway and Charleston during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Charleston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in North Conway in the winter. In the winter, Charleston is much warmer than North Conway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charleston in January average around 47°F (9°C), and North Conway averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Charleston often gets more sunshine than North Conway. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while North Conway receives 163 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as North Conway. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charleston 47°F (9°C) 
    North Conway 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Charleston or North Conway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and North Conway. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

In April, Charleston is generally much warmer than North Conway. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 64°F (18°C), and North Conway fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in North Conway this time of the year. In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charleston usually receives more sunshine than North Conway during spring. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while North Conway receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charleston usually receives less rain than North Conway. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charleston 64°F (18°C) 
    North Conway 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for North Conway and Charleston

Charleston North Conway
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)