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

Should you visit Baltimore or Asheville?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Asheville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Asheville?

You'll generally find more things to do in Baltimore than Asheville. Baltimore is bigger than Asheville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Baltimore is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Asheville is more popular for its music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Baltimore is more touristy than Asheville and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium. Asheville is well known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate.

How is Baltimore different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Asheville?

Baltimore is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Asheville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Baltimore and Asheville.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is well known for its live music scene. However, Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Asheville is very good for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Asheville makes a nice vacation spot. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Asheville?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Asheville and Baltimore.

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Christmas?

Asheville is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Baltimore does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Baltimore does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Baltimore does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville has some Christmas markets worth visiting during the holidays. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Baltimore does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Asheville.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Couples?

Asheville is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is well known for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Asheville is very popular with students. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Baltimore or Asheville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore is well known for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you around easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Baltimore or Asheville a more walkable city?

Baltimore is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Asheville. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Asheville than Baltimore. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Baltimore 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 Asheville.

One day in Baltimore or Asheville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Baltimore. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

A weekend in Baltimore or Asheville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Baltimore. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the progressive destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Asheville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Baltimore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the outdoorsy mountain town of Asheville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Asheville?

Baltimore is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Asheville?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Asheville, 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 Baltimore or Asheville?

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 Baltimore or Asheville in the Summer?

Both Asheville and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Baltimore is around the same temperature as Asheville in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Asheville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. It's quite rainy in Baltimore. In July, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Asheville. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Asheville in the Autumn?

Both Asheville and Baltimore during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Baltimore is cooler than Asheville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Asheville averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Asheville. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in October than Asheville. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Asheville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Asheville. The winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. In January, Baltimore is generally much colder than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Asheville during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Asheville. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Asheville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Asheville. The activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Asheville for the natural beauty.

Baltimore is cooler than Asheville in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In the spring, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Asheville. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. Baltimore usually gets less rain in April than Asheville. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Asheville and Baltimore