A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Charleston for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Old Town

Should you visit New Orleans or Charleston?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Charleston can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, nightlife, and live music. See New Orleans travel costs.

Charleston

Charleston is a historic, classic, and picturesque coastal town. Charleston is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Charleston travel costs.

New Orleans and Charleston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Charleston?

You'll generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Charleston. New Orleans is bigger than Charleston, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New Orleans is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Charleston is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. New Orleans is more touristy than Charleston and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Charleston is well known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Charleston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Charleston?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both New Orleans and Charleston both to be first-rate destinations.

Many restaurants in New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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.

Is New Orleans or Charleston Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is New Orleans or Charleston Better for Music?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for live music.

In New Orleans you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

You'll find some good live music in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Is New Orleans or Charleston Better for Resorts?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

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.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or Charleston Better for Beaches?

Charleston is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Charleston attract visitors from all over. 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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is New Orleans or Charleston Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Charleston?

Charleston is a world-class destination for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Charleston. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is New Orleans or Charleston More Beautiful?

Charleston is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Orleans or Charleston Better for Families?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Charleston Better for Couples?

Charleston is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Charleston is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is New Orleans or Charleston Better for Students?

Both New Orleans and Charleston are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Charleston is popular with 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.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both New Orleans and Charleston.

Public transit is mostly limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

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

Is New Orleans or Charleston a more walkable city?

Charleston is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Charleston is very walkable. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in Charleston or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Charleston?

Both New Orleans and Charleston have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than in New Orleans. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 2-7 days is enough time in Charleston.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charleston than New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Charleston?

With food and nightlife around the vibrant city of New Orleans, 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming coastal town of Charleston. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Charleston?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of New Orleans, 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 city.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Charleston. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in New Orleans or Charleston?

New Orleans, a popular city, 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the picturesque coastal town of Charleston. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.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.

A week in New Orleans or Charleston?

New Orleans 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the quaint destination of Charleston. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Charleston?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Charleston, 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 New Orleans or Charleston?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New Orleans or Charleston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Charleston. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Charleston. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the summer, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than Charleston. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Charleston. New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Orleans usually gets less rain in July than Charleston. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Charleston in the Autumn?

Both Charleston and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Charleston in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Charleston during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or Charleston in the Winter?

Both Charleston and New Orleans during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, New Orleans is a little warmer than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Charleston averages at about 47°F (9°C).

In the winter, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than Charleston. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Charleston. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Charleston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Charleston. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Charleston. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Charleston. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Charleston and New Orleans