A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Charlottesville for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Orlando or Charlottesville?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Charlottesville? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Orlando

Orlando is a entertaining, active, and family-friendly city. Visitors also love the theater, nightlife, and food. See Orlando travel costs.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a southern, proud, and traditional university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Charlottesville is a gorgeous place to visit. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Orlando and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Charlottesville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orlando. Although Orlando and Charlottesville are popular destinations, Orlando has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orlando is very popular for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Charlottesville attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Orlando is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also well known for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Charlottesville is famous for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Orlando different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Charlottesville?

Charlottesville is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Charlottesville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Charlottesville is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Charlottesville is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Orlando or Charlottesville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orlando is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orlando has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Orlando and Charlottesville.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville Better for Resorts?

Orlando is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Orlando for its luxury resorts. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Orlando does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Orlando does not have a historic old town.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is a popular place for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Charlottesville?

Orlando is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Orlando is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville More Beautiful?

Charlottesville is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Charlottesville is a gorgeous place to visit. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Orlando is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Orlando is very family-friendly. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Charlottesville make for a nice place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Charlottesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Many students frequent Charlottesville. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orlando and Charlottesville both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Orlando or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Charlottesville is adequate for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Charlottesville is generally not a very walkable university town. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Charlottesville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orlando and Charlottesville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charlottesville than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-3 days is enough time in Charlottesville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charlottesville than Orlando 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 Charlottesville.

One day in Orlando or Charlottesville?

The active destination of Orlando offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Charlottesville is a small town with plenty to do. This university town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Charlottesville?

The city of Orlando offers food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charlottesville has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Charlottesville?

Orlando is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Charlottesville is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlottesville. Since Charlottesville is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Charlottesville?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Charlottesville, 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 Orlando or Charlottesville?

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 Orlando or Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Orlando is around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orlando in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

In October, Orlando is generally much warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 75°F (24°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Charlottesville. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Charlottesville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Charlottesville. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Charlottesville. Orlando is much warmer than Charlottesville in the winter. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Charlottesville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Charlottesville. Additionally, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Orlando is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orlando in April average around 72°F (22°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in April than Charlottesville. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Orlando