Which place is cheaper, Charleston or Basse-Terre?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Basse-Terre or Charleston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Charleston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Basse-Terre or Charleston?
Basse-Terre
In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.
Charleston
Charleston is a beautiful, southern city and seaport town in South Carolina. It has a wonderful, historic downtown area that the city government works hard to maintain. Located on a peninsula that is created by two rivers, the city is a stunning setting with much character. It is a popular place to visit for its culture, architecture and cuisine. In recent years Charleston has gained popularity and it continues to grow as both a regional and international travel destination. With its rising popularity comes increasing costs. Travel costs continue to go up as restaurants and hotels raise their prices, particularly during the peak travel season and holiday periods.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBasse-Terre $162Charleston $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is $162, while the average daily cost in Charleston is $170. 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 Basse-Terre and Charleston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBasse-Terre $96Charleston $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBasse-Terre $192Charleston $180
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Charleston
Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre or Charleston? 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.
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: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices and Charleston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Basse-Terre $8.57Charleston $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:
- Private Transfer from Charleston Cruise Port to Charleston city: $55
- Private Transfer from Charleston City to Charleston Cruise Port: $55
- Private Transfer from Charleston Port to Charleston Airport (CHS): $59
- From Boone Hall Plantation Entry with Transfers: $71
- Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston city – Arrival Private Transfer: $88
- Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $88
- Folly Beach to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $104
- Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island to Charleston Airport –Departure Private Transfer: $104
- Charleston Airport (CHS) to Folly Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
- Charleston Airport to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island– Arrival Private Transfer: $104
- Charleston Airport (CHS) to Kiawah/Seabrook Islands – Arrival Private Transfer: $118
- Charleston Airport: One-Way Transfer to Charleston: $153
Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Charleston?
Prices for flights to both Charleston and Basse-Terre 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
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Food Meals for one dayBasse-Terre $49Charleston $58
Typical Food Prices in Charleston
Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:
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Lunch in downtown Charleston for two$21
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Breakfast$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.
- Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise: $72
- Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $88
- Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise: $93
- Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
- Charleston Food Tour: $99
- Historic Downtown Food Tour with Tastings: $99
- 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $108
- Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chef's Challenge: $109
- Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $110
- Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
- Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour: $110
- Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Basse-Terre $50Charleston $22
Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:
- Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $214
Typical Entertainment Prices in Charleston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:
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Patriots Point (for 2)$60
Tours and Activities in Charleston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Charleston are as follows:
- The French Quarter: GPS Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $5.99
- Self-Guided Ghost Tour: $6.99
- Self-Guided "The French Quarter Charleston" Solo Walking Tour: $7.50
- Cinematic, Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in Charleston: $10
- Self-Guided Highlights Walking Audio Tour: $12
- 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Self-Guided Audio History Walking Tour: $12
- Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
- Trolley Tour in Wadmalaw Island of South Carolina: $17
- Charleston's Miracle Mile: Church and Cemetery Walking Tour: $21
- History & Storytelling Tour: $24
- The Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBasse-Terre $14Charleston $36
Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:
- Charleston Women and Wine Tour: $20
- Women and Wine Tour: $20
- Charleston Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
- Guided Pub Crawl and Haunted History Tour: $30
- Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston : $35
- Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Historic District Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $40
- Charleston Brewery District Cruise (Public Tour): $95
- Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip: $135
- Half Day Party Bus Brewery Tour of Charleston: $140
When comparing the travel costs between Basse-Terre 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. Even though Basse-Terre is in Caribbean Islands and Charleston is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Basse-Terre Expensive? and Is Charleston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Basse-Terre or Charleston?
Charleston has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Basse-Terre. When comparing the sizes of Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre or Charleston?
Charleston has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Basse-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Charleston in the Summer?
Both Charleston and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Basse-Terre is generally around the same temperature as Charleston. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 27°C (81°F), and Charleston fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Charleston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during summer. Basse-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. In July, Basse-Terre usually receives less rain than Charleston. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBasse-Terre 27°C (81°F)Charleston 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Charleston in the Autumn?
Both Charleston and Basse-Terre during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Basse-Terre is a little warmer than Charleston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. In the autumn, Basse-Terre often gets more sunshine than Charleston. Basse-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in October than Charleston. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBasse-Terre 27°C (80°F)Charleston 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Charleston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Charleston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Charleston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Basse-Terre is much warmer than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basse-Terre in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Charleston averages at about 47°F (9°C).
In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basse-Terre usually receives more sunshine than Charleston during winter. Basse-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Basse-Terre usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBasse-Terre 24°C (76°F)Charleston 47°F (9°C)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Charleston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Charleston. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.
In April, Basse-Terre is generally a little warmer than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 26°C (78°F), and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. In the spring, Basse-Terre often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Basse-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun.
Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the spring. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in April than Charleston. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBasse-Terre 26°C (78°F)Charleston 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Charleston and Basse-Terre
| Basse-Terre | Charleston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (176 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 3.1 inches (78 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.