A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Charlotte vs. Hope for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Charlotte or Hope?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Hope can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a up-and-coming, growing, and evolving city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Charlotte travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a local, small, and friendly town. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Charlotte and Hope: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Charlotte or Hope?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charlotte than Hope, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charlotte is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hope is more popular for its hiking. Hope is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo." Charlotte is well known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. Also, Charlotte is famous for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

How is Charlotte different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hope and Charlotte. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlotte or Hope?

Charlotte
Hope

Charlotte is very good for its historical sights. However, Hope is not known for its sights and museums.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.


Is the Food Better in Charlotte or Hope? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Hope

Charlotte is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Charlotte. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Charlotte or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Hope

Charlotte is very good for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Charlotte or Hope Better for Hiking?

Charlotte
Hope

Hope is great for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hope for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Hope?

Charlotte
Hope

Charlotte is very good for shopping. However, Hope is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Charlotte. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Is Charlotte or Hope Better for Families?

Charlotte
Hope

Hope is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hope. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Charlotte or Hope Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Hope

Hope is great for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Hope is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.


Is Charlotte or Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Charlotte
Hope

Hope is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hope. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Charlotte or Hope Better for Students?

Charlotte
Hope

Charlotte is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Hope is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Hope is not popular with students.

Is Charlotte or Hope Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlotte
Hope

Charlotte is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hope is not known for its public transit.

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hope. There is no public transit in town.


Is Charlotte or Hope a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Hope

Charlotte is very good for its walkability. However, Hope is not known for its high level of walkability.

Charlotte is somewhat walkable. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Hope Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hope or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Hope?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlotte and Hope. In our opinion, Charlotte has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Charlotte than Hope. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hope.

Families should spend more time in Hope than Charlotte. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hope, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Charlotte than Hope. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Charlotte that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charlotte than Hope 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 Charlotte.


  • How many days in Charlotte or Hope? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlotte 1-3 
    Hope 2-3

One day in Charlotte or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Charlotte. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find around the town of Hope. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

A weekend in Charlotte or Hope?

Charlotte is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the local destination of Hope. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Charlotte or Hope?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the evolving destination of Charlotte. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the small town of Hope. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Hope?

The growing city of Charlotte offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Hope is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Hope or Charlotte?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Charlotte Prices
    USA Prices
    Hope Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charlotte $225
    Hope $47

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $225, while the average daily cost in Hope is $47. 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 Charlotte and Hope in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Hope $8.89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Hope

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Hope? 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 Charlotte


Hotels in Hope


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Hope Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Hope -

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Hope?

Prices for flights to both Hope and Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $80
    Hope $38
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Hope -

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24

Tours and Activities in Hope

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

  • From Vancouver: 2-Day Kelowna Wine, Lake, and Farm Tour: $296
  • From Vancouver: 3-Day Tour to Manning Park, Nelson & Osoyoos: $379

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Hope $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlotte and Hope, we can see that Charlotte is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte than you might in Hope.

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


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Hope?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Hope, 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 Charlotte or Hope?

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 Charlotte or Hope in the Summer?

Both Hope and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hope this time of year.

In the summer, Charlotte is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Hope averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Hope. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Hope 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Charlotte or Hope in the Autumn?

Both Hope and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hope for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Hope fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Hope gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Charlotte usually gets less rain in October than Hope. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Hope 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Charlotte or Hope in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Hope. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hope in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hope can get quite cold in the winter. Charlotte is much warmer than Hope in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Hope fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Hope receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Hope. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Hope 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Charlotte or Hope in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Hope. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Charlotte is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Hope averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Hope. Charlotte usually gets less rain in April than Hope. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Hope 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Hope and Charlotte

Charlotte Hope
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 3°C (37°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 5°C (41°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 7°C (44°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 9°C (49°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 15°C (60°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 15°C (59°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 10°C (51°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 6°C (43°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 3°C (37°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)