A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Food, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a evolving, up-and-coming, and growing city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Charlotte travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Charlotte and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Charlotte have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Charlotte is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Charlotte is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. 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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Charlotte offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Charlotte is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

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 Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Charlotte is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Martha's Vineyard is a perfect choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Charlotte is not a resort destination.


Is Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is great for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is very good for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Martha's Vineyard. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is great for its shopping areas. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Charlotte is a great destination for shopping. 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.


Is Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is terrific for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Martha's Vineyard has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Students?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Charlotte is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

Is Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Charlotte is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard 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 generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Martha's Vineyard

Charlotte and Martha's Vineyard are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.


For even more information, also check out Is Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlotte and Martha's Vineyard. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Martha's Vineyard than Charlotte. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charlotte than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlotte 1-3 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Charlotte, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the evolving city of Charlotte, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the growing destination of Charlotte. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard?

Charlotte is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charlotte $225
    Martha's Vineyard $285

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $225, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $285. 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 Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard? 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 Marthas Vineyard


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 Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Martha's Vineyard $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $104
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
    Martha's Vineyard $30

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 Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Best of Martha's Vineyard 3 hour Full-Island Tour: $65
  • 4 hours Hop-on Hop-off Jawsome Jaws Tour: $120
  • All Island Bus Tour: $75
  • All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly: $130
  • Best 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • Discovering Oak Bluffs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown: $65
  • Edgartown Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Martha Vineyard Bus Tour: $60
  • Martha's Vineyard: All Island Tour: $70
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Martha's Vineyard $22


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

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



When is the best time to visit Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Charlotte is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets less rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Martha's Vineyard. The winter months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

It's quite cold in Martha's Vineyard in the winter. In January, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of rain as Martha's Vineyard. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Martha's Vineyard. The activities around the city are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Charlotte is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets less rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Charlotte

Charlotte Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)