A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Monterey for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Charlotte or Monterey?

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 Monterey 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Charlotte travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Monterey travel costs.

Charlotte and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Charlotte and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Charlotte attracts visitors for its big city activities. Monterey is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monterey is great for its historical sights. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Monterey specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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.

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

Monterey 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.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is great for its evening party scene. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Monterey for the nightlife scene. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is Charlotte or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Charlotte or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is very good for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Monterey to enjoy the beach. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Monterey?

Monterey 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 Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

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

Monterey is one of the most popular family destinations. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

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

Monterey is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Monterey is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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 Monterey Better for Students?

Charlotte is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Monterey is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Charlotte has some public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Charlotte or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Monterey?

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

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

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

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

One day in Charlotte or Monterey?

The city of Charlotte offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Monterey. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monterey has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Charlotte or Monterey?

Charlotte is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlotte, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing destination of Monterey. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Monterey?

Charlotte is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back city of Monterey. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Monterey?

Charlotte is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Monterey is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Monterey, we can see that Charlotte is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Monterey?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Monterey. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Charlotte is much warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Monterey. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlotte or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Charlotte is around the same temperature as Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In January, Charlotte is generally much colder than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Monterey. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlotte or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Charlotte