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

Should you visit Charleston or Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 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.

Yosemite National Park

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

Charleston and Yosemite 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 El Capitan
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Charleston or Yosemite National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charleston. Although Charleston and Yosemite National Park are popular destinations, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Yosemite National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Charleston and is known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. 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.

How is Charleston different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Charleston is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Charleston is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national 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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Charleston or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Charleston is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Yosemite National Park. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Is Charleston or Yosemite National Park Better for Music?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

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

Yosemite National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Charleston or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is notable for its resorts. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Yosemite National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Charleston has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Is Charleston or Yosemite National Park Better for Beaches?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Charleston is a well-known place for the beach. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Charleston is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Charleston is revered around 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.

Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Charleston or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an amazing national park to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Yosemite National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Yosemite National Park?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Charleston is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charleston or Yosemite National Park More Beautiful?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an amazing national 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 Yosemite National Park as well. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is notable 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.

Yosemite National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Charleston is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit 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.

Yosemite National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

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

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

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

Yosemite National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Students?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Charleston is a popular place for students. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

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

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Yosemite National Park has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Public transit is mostly limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Is Charleston or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Charleston
Yosemite National Park

Charleston is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park 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.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable coastal town. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.


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

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

How long in Charleston or Yosemite National Park?

Both Charleston and Yosemite National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Charleston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Charleston than Yosemite National Park. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 3-7 days is enough time in Yosemite National Park.

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

One day in Charleston or Yosemite National Park?

The quaint coastal town of Charleston offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With around the world-famous national park of Yosemite National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Yosemite National Park?

The southern destination of Charleston offers museums and nightlife. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's also a great beach destination, too. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With around the destination of Yosemite National Park, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Charleston or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Yosemite National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Charleston or Yosemite National Park?

Charleston is a fun place to experience. The destination of Charleston offers live music and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Yosemite National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this national park makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. 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, Yosemite 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
    Yosemite National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charleston $212
    Yosemite National Park $158

The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $212, while the average daily cost in Yosemite National Park is $158. 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 Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $90
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $180
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Charleston and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Charleston or Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 and Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $33
    Yosemite National Park $41

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
  • Private Transfer from Charleston City to Charleston Cruise Port: $125
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Port to Charleston Airport (CHS): $134
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston Port: $134
  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
  • Isle of Palms/Sullivans to Charleston AirportCHS Private Transfer: $147
  • 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
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Folly Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $294
  • Charleston AirportCHS to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Private Transfer: $294

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

Prices for flights to both Yosemite 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
    Yosemite National Park $69
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
  • Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $100
  • Tastes Through Time - Charleston's Best Food Tour: $109
  • Charleston Brunch Food Tour: Biscuits, Shrimps, Grits and More: $110
  • Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings: $110
  • Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
  • Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $111
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $111
  • Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors: $111
  • Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charleston $22
    Yosemite National Park $19
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 Historic Downtown Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
  • 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
  • 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • South Carolina Audio Tour: Charleston Audio Tour Adventure: $15

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

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

  • Yosemite National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yosemite: $20
  • Private Yosemite Tour Indulging in Nature, Flavors, and History: $30
  • The Evolution of Yosemite 3 Hour Hiking Tour: $140
  • The Evolution of Yosemite 3 Hour Walking Tour: $140
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $200
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $210
  • Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup: $250
  • Private Yosemite Valley Tour & Roosevelt Cookout: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $36
    Yosemite National Park $11

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
  • Charleston’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • 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


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