A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Williamsburg for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Charleston or Williamsburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Williamsburg, 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 quaint, historic, and classic 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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Charleston travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Charleston and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Williamsburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charleston. Although Charleston and Williamsburg are popular destinations, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Williamsburg attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Charleston is famous for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park. Williamsburg is famous for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Charleston different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Williamsburg is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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.

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

Charleston is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Charleston or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Charleston is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Charleston has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Charleston or Williamsburg Better for Music?

Charleston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Charleston is a good destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a great destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Charleston and Williamsburg both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

Charleston offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Williamsburg has a world-famous historical area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Williamsburg?

Charleston is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Charleston is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Is Charleston or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Charleston is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Is Charleston or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Charleston is a family-friendly coastal town. 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.

Is Charleston or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Charleston is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Williamsburg is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Is Charleston or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is a great destination for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Plenty of students 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.

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

Both Charleston and Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Charleston or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Charleston is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable coastal town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Charleston or Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg.

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

In Charleston, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this classic coastal town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and food around the well-preserved town of Williamsburg, 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.

A weekend in Charleston or Williamsburg?

Charleston is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and shopping around the destination of Williamsburg, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Williamsburg?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this classic destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Williamsburg, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Williamsburg?

Charleston is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Williamsburg?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Charleston or Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Charleston is around the same temperature as Williamsburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg during summer. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charleston or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Williamsburg. Many visitors come to Charleston in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Charleston is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charleston in October average around 67°F (19°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. In the autumn, Charleston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Williamsburg. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. In January, Charleston is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 47°F (9°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during winter. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charleston usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Charleston during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Charleston is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charleston. In the spring, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets less rain in April than Williamsburg. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Charleston