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

Should you visit Charleston or Roanoke?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Roanoke, 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 picturesque, charming, and southern 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Charleston travel costs.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Roanoke travel costs.

Charleston and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Roanoke?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charleston. Although Charleston and Roanoke are roughly the same size, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is very popular for its food, music, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its hiking. Charleston is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Charleston different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

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

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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Charleston is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Charleston or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Charleston and Roanoke.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Charleston or Roanoke Better for Music?

Charleston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Charleston is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Roanoke Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

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

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Roanoke?

Charleston is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Charleston specifically to go shopping. 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.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Charleston or Roanoke More Beautiful?

Charleston is a great coastal town for its scenery and beauty. However, Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charleston or Roanoke Better for Families?

Charleston and Roanoke are both nice 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly coastal town. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Charleston or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Charleston is renowned for couples. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

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.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Is Charleston or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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 Roanoke Better for Students?

Charleston is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

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

Both Charleston and Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Charleston or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Charleston is a great coastal town for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Roanoke?

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

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

In Charleston, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back town of Roanoke, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Roanoke, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Charleston or Roanoke?

In Charleston, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charleston has to offer.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Roanoke, 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 town.

Five days in Charleston or Roanoke?

Charleston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charleston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Roanoke, a popular town, 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 Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. In Charleston, you'll find live music and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Roanoke 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 comparing the travel costs between Charleston and Roanoke, we can see that Charleston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Roanoke?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Roanoke. Many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Charleston is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the summer. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. 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 Roanoke. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston usually gets more rain in July than Roanoke. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Charleston is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charleston in October average around 67°F (19°C), and Roanoke averages at about 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during autumn. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charleston usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charleston or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

It's quite cold in Roanoke in the winter. In January, Charleston is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 47°F (9°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

In the winter, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets more rain in January than Roanoke. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Roanoke in the Spring?

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

Charleston is a little warmer than Roanoke in the spring. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during spring. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charleston usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Charleston