A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Charleston for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Charleston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Charleston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Charleston

Charleston is a charming, southern, and quaint 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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Charleston travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Charleston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Charleston?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charleston than Saint Augustine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charleston is better known for its food, music, resorts, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums and attractions. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Charleston is well known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park.

How is Saint Augustine different from Charleston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Charleston?

Saint Augustine is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Charleston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Charleston is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Saint Augustine has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Is Saint Augustine or Charleston Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Charleston has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Charleston has a few options to choose from. 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 Saint Augustine or Charleston Better for Music?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Charleston active and fun. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Charleston Better for Resorts?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Charleston Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Augustine and Charleston have superb beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Charleston Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine and Charleston both have amazing historical old towns that attract visitors.

Saint Augustine has a world-famous historical area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Charleston?

Charleston is very popular for shopping. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Charleston is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Saint Augustine is well-known for its shopping. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Is Saint Augustine or Charleston More Beautiful?

Charleston is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Charleston Better for Families?

Saint Augustine is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Augustine is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Charleston is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Charleston Better for Couples?

Charleston is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Charleston has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Is Saint Augustine or Charleston Better for Students?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Charleston.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Charleston a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine and Charleston both are superb when exploring on foot.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Charleston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charleston or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Charleston?

Both Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-7 days is enough time in Charleston.

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

Couples should spend more time in Charleston than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Charleston?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Saint Augustine, 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.

The picturesque destination of Charleston offers live music and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Charleston?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The quaint coastal town of Charleston offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Charleston?

Saint Augustine, 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.

Charleston is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Charleston?

Saint Augustine 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.

The quaint coastal town of Charleston offers museums and nightlife. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Charleston, we can see that Charleston 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Charleston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Charleston?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Charleston?

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 Saint Augustine or Charleston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Charleston. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Charleston. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Charleston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Charleston. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Charleston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Charleston. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Charleston. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Charleston in the Winter?

Both Charleston and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Charleston averages at about 47°F (9°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Charleston in the Spring?

Both Charleston and Saint Augustine during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Charleston. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Charleston and Saint Augustine