A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Charlotte for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Charlotte?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Charlotte, 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a up-and-coming, growing, and evolving city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Charlotte travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Charlotte: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Charlotte?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Charlotte, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Charlotte is more popular for its big city activities. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Charlotte and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Charlotte is well known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Saint Augustine different from Charlotte?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Charlotte? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Charlotte Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Charlotte 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 Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is Saint Augustine or Charlotte Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

Saint Augustine is great for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Charlotte Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

Saint Augustine is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Charlotte does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Charlotte does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Charlotte?

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Charlotte More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

Saint Augustine is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Saint Augustine or Charlotte Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Augustine. 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Charlotte Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

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

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.

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 Saint Augustine or Charlotte Better for Students?

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

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

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

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.


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

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

Charlotte is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Charlotte, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Charlotte a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Charlotte

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Charlotte or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Charlotte?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Charlotte. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Charlotte. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Charlotte.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Charlotte? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Charlotte 1-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Charlotte?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Saint Augustine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The up-and-coming destination of Charlotte offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Saint Augustine or Charlotte?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colonial destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Charlotte offers food and shopping. 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 Charlotte?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial city of Saint Augustine. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Charlotte is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Charlotte?

Saint Augustine is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Charlotte. 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Charlotte or Saint Augustine?

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

  • Saint Augustine Prices
    USA Prices
    Charlotte Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Charlotte $225

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, while the average daily cost in Charlotte is $225. 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 Saint Augustine and Charlotte in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Charlotte $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Charlotte

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Charlotte? 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 Saint Augustine


Hotels in Charlotte


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Charlotte $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Charlotte?

Prices for flights to both Charlotte and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $85
    Charlotte $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $115
  • St. Augustine Historical FOOD Tour on Electric Cart with Pick Up : $129
  • The Ghoulish Gourmet Haunted Food Tour: $129
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Charlotte $43

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour on Premium Golf Cart with PiCk Up : $39
  • 1 Hour Historical Tour of Saint Augustine Florida & FREE Parking: $36
  • 1 Hour Private Historical Tour of Saint Augustine, Florida : $250
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $40
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Blood On The Cobblestones True Crime Tour of St Augustine: $35
  • Booze and Boos Haunted St. Augustine Ghost Walking Tour: $34
  • Bourbon and Whiskey History Tour in St Augustine : $209
  • Castillo after Dark 1 Hour Guided Exterior Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.

  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Charlotte $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • St. Augustine's Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
  • Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Charlotte, 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Charlotte Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Charlotte?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Charlotte, 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 Charlotte?

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 Saint Augustine or Charlotte in the Summer?

Both Charlotte and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun.

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Charlotte. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Charlotte in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Charlotte. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Charlotte in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte 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 Charlotte during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlotte. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Charlotte in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Charlotte. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Charlotte. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Charlotte averages at about 42°F (6°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Charlotte. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Charlotte. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Charlotte in the Spring?

Both Charlotte and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Charlotte in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Charlotte
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)