A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Charleston vs. Saskatoon for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Charleston or Saskatoon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Saskatoon, 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 classic, picturesque, and charming coastal town. The beauty of Charleston is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Charleston travel costs.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a authentic, cultural, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Charleston and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Charleston or Saskatoon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Charleston than Saskatoon. While Saskatoon is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Charleston is more touristy than Saskatoon and is known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also home to The Waterfront Park. Saskatoon is popular for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Charleston different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charleston
Saskatoon

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

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.

Saskatoon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.


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

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Charleston, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Is Charleston or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Evening events are good in both Charleston and Saskatoon.

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 Saskatoon. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Charleston or Saskatoon Better for Music?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Saskatoon is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Saskatoon is not a live music destination.


Is Charleston or Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston is a good destination for its resorts. However, Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Charleston makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Saskatoon Better for Beaches?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston is a well-known place for the beach. However, Saskatoon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Charleston for it's beautiful 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.

Saskatoon is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Saskatoon Better for its Old Town?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Saskatoon does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Charleston offers plenty to see. 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.

Saskatoon does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Saskatoon?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Charleston make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Charleston or Saskatoon More Beautiful?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Charleston is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The charming history, beautiful architecture, and historic churches all make this city one of the most beautiful in the southern United States.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charleston or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston and Saskatoon are both good 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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly coastal town. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.


Is Charleston or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Charleston is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Saskatoon is a good coastal town for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

Is Charleston or Saskatoon Better for Students?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston is a good destination for students. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not popular with students.

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

Charleston
Saskatoon

Both Charleston and Saskatoon offer decent 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 Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.


Is Charleston or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Charleston
Saskatoon

Charleston is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable coastal town. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Saskatoon?

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

Families should spend more time in Charleston than Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charleston 2-7 
    Saskatoon 1-3

One day in Charleston or Saskatoon?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint coastal town of Charleston. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Saskatoon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saskatoon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Charleston or Saskatoon?

You'll find live music and food around the picturesque destination of Charleston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saskatoon, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Charleston or Saskatoon?

You'll find food and shopping around the southern coastal town of Charleston. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

Saskatoon, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Saskatoon?

Charleston is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charleston, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Saskatoon 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Saskatoon 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
    Saskatoon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charleston $212
    Saskatoon $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $212, while the average daily cost in Saskatoon is $149. 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 Saskatoon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $90
    Saskatoon $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $180
    Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Charleston and Saskatoon

Looking for a hotel in Charleston or Saskatoon? 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 Saskatoon


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 Saskatoon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $33
    Saskatoon $32

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 Saskatoon?

Prices for flights to both Saskatoon 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
    Saskatoon $54
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
    Saskatoon $17
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
  • Charleston Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Self-Guided "The French Quarter Charleston" Solo 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $36
    Saskatoon $9.60

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 Saskatoon, we can see that Charleston is more expensive. And not only is Saskatoon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saskatoon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon.

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


Which is Bigger, Charleston or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Saskatoon, 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.