A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Charlotte for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Atlanta or Charlotte?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta 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.

Where Should I go: Atlanta or Charlotte?

Atlanta

Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

Which place is cheaper, Charlotte or Atlanta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlanta is $173, while the average daily cost in Charlotte is $191. 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 Atlanta and Charlotte in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlanta $90
    Charlotte $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlanta $180
    Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in Atlanta and Charlotte

Looking for a hotel in Atlanta 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 Atlanta


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: Atlanta Hotel Prices and Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlanta $44
    Charlotte $33
Typical Local Transportation prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:


  • MARTA Subway Ticket
    $4.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta

Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL):Transfer to Atlanta: $285
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from-to Airport-Atlanta Downtown: $133
  • Roundtrip Transfer PrivateExecutive Vehicle Atlanta Airport(ATL)-AtlantaDowntown: $105
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Atlanta Airport (ATL): $80
  • Roundtrip Transfer to Harrah's Cherokee Casino: $75
  • Private Transfer in Atlanta (ATL) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $60
  • Transfer in executiveprivate vehicle from Atlanta Airport(ATL) -Atlanta Downtown: $53
  • San Jose Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Jose Costa: $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Atlanta Airport (ATL): $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or Charlotte?

Prices for flights to both Charlotte and Atlanta 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
    Atlanta $43
    Charlotte $46
Typical Food prices in Atlanta

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


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    $15
  • Lunch
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta

For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Maki Interactive Cooking Class with a Chef in Atlanta: $55
  • Atlanta Wood-Fired Pizza Making Class with Classpop!: $55
  • 2-Hour Market Food Tour & Hands-On Biscuit Class: $65
  • City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • Food Tour on the Atlanta BeltLine: $79
  • Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
  • Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99

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.
    Atlanta $56
    Charlotte $43

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

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

  • 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market: $95
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Historic Atlanta: $65
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Midtown Atlanta: $69
  • 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour : $99
  • 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comics Inspired Film Location Tour: $159
  • 7-Hr The Walking Dead Private VIP Tour in Atlanta and Senoia with Transportation: $350
  • 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car or MiniBus: $36
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta: $36
  • A City in a Forest: Private Atlanta Nature Tour: $159
  • African American Atlanta Culture Tour by Private Car Service : $90
  • Art on the Streets: Private Atlanta Street Art Tour: $155
  • Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus: $70

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $25
  • Carolina Panthers Football Game Ticket at Bank of America Stadium: $21
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket at Spectrum Center: $21
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Charlotte's Only Southern Charm Haunted/True Crime Golf Cart Tour: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlanta $17
    Charlotte $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

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

  • Guided Brewery Tour in Atlanta: $12
  • Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
  • ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
  • Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
  • VIP Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $118
  • Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta : $120
  • Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting: $159
  • Georgia Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting: $284

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $42
  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125


When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta 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.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Charlotte?

Charlotte is bigger, and its population is about 41% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the population of Atlanta vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Charlotte?

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 Atlanta or Charlotte in the Summer?

Both Charlotte and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Charlotte in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Atlanta or Charlotte in the Autumn?

Both Charlotte and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Charlotte. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Charlotte averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Charlotte. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlanta 66°F (19°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Charlotte in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Charlotte.

In January, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlanta 45°F (7°C) 
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Charlotte in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Charlotte.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Charlotte in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Charlotte. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlanta 65°F (18°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Atlanta

Atlanta Charlotte
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 49°F (9°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Mar 57°F (14°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Oct 66°F (19°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Atlanta vs. Charlotte Travel Comparison

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