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

Should you visit Baltimore or Charlotte?

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 Charlotte can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming 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.

Baltimore and Charlotte: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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 Baltimore or Charlotte?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Charlotte are roughly the same size, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is more touristy than Charlotte and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Baltimore different from Charlotte?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Baltimore
Charlotte

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

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 Baltimore or Charlotte? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Charlotte

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

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 Baltimore or Charlotte Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Charlotte

Baltimore is great for its evening party scene. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Charlotte?

Baltimore
Charlotte

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. 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.

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 Baltimore or Charlotte Better for Families?

Baltimore
Charlotte

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. 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.

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 Baltimore or Charlotte Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Charlotte

Both Baltimore and Charlotte are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Charlotte is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Baltimore or Charlotte Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Charlotte

Baltimore is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.


Is Baltimore or Charlotte Better for Students?

Baltimore
Charlotte

Charlotte is very good for students. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore
Charlotte

Baltimore is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. 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.

Charlotte has a few public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Is Baltimore or Charlotte a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Charlotte

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

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

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


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

Should I spend more time in Charlotte or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Charlotte?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Charlotte. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baltimore than Charlotte. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Baltimore, and 1-3 days is enough time in Charlotte.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Baltimore or Charlotte? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baltimore 2-3 
    Charlotte 1-3

One day in Baltimore or Charlotte?

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 shopping and museums around the city of Charlotte. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charlotte has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Charlotte?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful 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 museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming destination of Charlotte. 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.

Five days in Baltimore or Charlotte?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse 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 food when visiting the up-and-coming city of Charlotte. 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.


A week in Baltimore or Charlotte?

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.

Charlotte 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Charlotte or Baltimore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, 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 Baltimore and Charlotte in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Charlotte $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Charlotte

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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 Baltimore


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Charlotte $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • San Francisco Airport to Oakland: Round Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $56
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Port to Baltimore Airport: $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $134
  • Charlotte City to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $134
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Charlotte?

Prices for flights to both Charlotte and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $46
    Charlotte $46
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

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

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $119
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

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.
    Baltimore $18
    Charlotte $43

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

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

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $45
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Tour: $88
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $15
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $99
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Charlotte by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
  • Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte: $15
  • UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket: $16
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket at Spectrum Center: $16
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Charlotte by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Chesapeake Region Wine Tour: $171

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240


When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Charlotte Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Charlotte?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Charlotte. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Charlotte in the Summer?

Both Charlotte and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.

In the summer, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Charlotte. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Charlotte averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte. Baltimore gets 283 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 Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets less rain in July than Charlotte. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Charlotte in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Charlotte. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Baltimore is generally cooler than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Charlotte during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlotte. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Charlotte in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Charlotte. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Charlotte in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. Baltimore is much colder than Charlotte in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Charlotte fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Charlotte. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in January than Charlotte. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Charlotte in the Spring?

Both Charlotte and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Charlotte for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Baltimore is cooler than Charlotte. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Charlotte averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Charlotte during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Baltimore

Baltimore Charlotte
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)