A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Port-of-Spain vs. Charleston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain 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.

Where Should I go: Port-of-Spain or Charleston?

Port-of-Spain

Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.

Charleston

Charleston is a beautiful, southern city and seaport town in South Carolina. It has a wonderful, historic downtown area that the city government works hard to maintain. Located on a peninsula that is created by two rivers, the city is a stunning setting with much character. It is a popular place to visit for its culture, architecture and cuisine. In recent years Charleston has gained popularity and it continues to grow as both a regional and international travel destination. With its rising popularity comes increasing costs. Travel costs continue to go up as restaurants and hotels raise their prices, particularly during the peak travel season and holiday periods.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Charleston or Port-of-Spain?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Port-of-Spain is $213, while the average daily cost in Charleston is $212. 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 Port-of-Spain and Charleston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Port-of-Spain $80
    Charleston $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Port-of-Spain $160
    Charleston $180
Compare Hotels in Port-of-Spain and Charleston

Looking for a hotel in Port-of-Spain or Charleston? 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 Port-of-Spain


Hotels in Charleston


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: Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices and Charleston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Port-of-Spain $49
    Charleston $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $268
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Folly Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $294
  • Charleston AirportCHS to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Private Transfer: $294
  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
  • Folly Beach to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $147
  • From Boone Hall Plantation Entry with Transfers: $71
  • Isle of Palms/Sullivans to Charleston AirportCHS Private Transfer: $147
  • Kiawah/Seabrook Islands to Charleston Airport (CHS) – Departure Private Transfer: $208
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston Port: $134
  • Private Transfer from Charleston City to Charleston Cruise Port: $125
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Port to Charleston Airport (CHS): $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Port-of-Spain or Charleston?

Prices for flights to both Charleston and Port-of-Spain 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
    Port-of-Spain $94
    Charleston $100

Typical Food Prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:


  • Lunch in downtown Charleston for two
    $21
  • Breakfast
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.

  • Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Hands-on Cooking Class in Charleston: $89
  • Tastes Through Time - Charleston's Best Food Tour!: $96
  • Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $100
  • Tastes Through Time - Charleston's Best Food Tour: $109
  • Charleston Brunch Food Tour: Biscuits, Shrimps, Grits and More: $110
  • Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings: $110
  • Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
  • Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $111
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $111
  • Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors: $111
  • Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Port-of-Spain $59
    Charleston $22

Typical Entertainment Prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:


  • Patriots Point (for 2)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Charleston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Charleston are as follows:

  • Charleston Self-Guided Ghost Tour in 12 Languages: $5.00
  • Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour: $6.75
  • Charleston Historic Downtown Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
  • Charleston Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.78
  • Charleston Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Self-Guided "The French Quarter Charleston" Solo Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Charleston Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Window into American History: A Self-guided Charleston Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Charleston Self Guided Ghost Tour in 12 Languages: $10
  • Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • South Carolina Audio Tour: Charleston Audio Tour Adventure: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Port-of-Spain $22
    Charleston $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:

  • Charleston Bar Hunt: Charleston Chase Bar Crawl: $13
  • Striped Pig Distillery Tour and Tasting: $22
  • Charleston’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Charleston Women and Wine Tour: $34
  • Women and Wine Tour: $34
  • Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl for the Broken-Hearted: $35
  • Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston : $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl for the Broken-Hearted: $35
  • Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Port-of-Spain and Charleston, we can see that Port-of-Spain 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. Even though Port-of-Spain is in Caribbean Islands and Charleston is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Port-of-Spain or Charleston?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Port-of-Spain. When comparing the sizes of Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain or Charleston?

Charleston has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Port-of-Spain experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Charleston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Port-of-Spain and Charleston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Port-of-Spain year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Port-of-Spain is around the same temperature as Charleston in the summer. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Charleston fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. Port-of-Spain usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during summer. Port-of-Spain gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Port-of-Spain gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Port-of-Spain usually receives more rain than Charleston. Port-of-Spain gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    Charleston 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Charleston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Port-of-Spain as well as Charleston. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

In the autumn, Port-of-Spain is a little warmer than Charleston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Port-of-Spain in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Charleston averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In the autumn, Port-of-Spain often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston. Port-of-Spain gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun.

Port-of-Spain receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Port-of-Spain usually gets more rain in October than Charleston. Port-of-Spain gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    Charleston 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Charleston in the Winter?

Both Charleston and Port-of-Spain are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Port-of-Spain is generally much warmer than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Port-of-Spain average around 26°C (78°F), and Charleston fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. Port-of-Spain usually receives more sunshine than Charleston during winter. Port-of-Spain gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Port-of-Spain usually receives less rain than Charleston. Port-of-Spain gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Port-of-Spain 26°C (78°F) 
    Charleston 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Charleston in the Spring?

Both Charleston and Port-of-Spain during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charleston in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Port-of-Spain is much warmer than Charleston in the spring. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. In the spring, Port-of-Spain often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Port-of-Spain gets 238 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun.

Port-of-Spain usually gets less rain in April than Charleston. Port-of-Spain gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    Charleston 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Charleston and Port-of-Spain

Port-of-Spain Charleston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)