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

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Should you visit Charleston or Alexandria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Alexandria, 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: Charleston or Alexandria?

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.

Alexandria

Just minutes from the nation's capital of Washington DC, Alexandria offers a world of rich history and beautifully preserved buildings from the 18th-19th centuries. A city of many interests, attractions range from the old haunts of George Washington and historic architecture to museums, local crafts, and quaint boutiques. With its cobblestoned streets, Old Town of Alexandria is sure to charm as well.

Which city is cheaper, Alexandria or Charleston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $136, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Charleston and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $72
    Alexandria $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $144
    Alexandria $60
Compare Hotels in Charleston and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Charleston or Alexandria? 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 Charleston


Hotels in Alexandria


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: Charleston Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $26
    Alexandria -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • Private transfer: Charleston to Charleston Airport (CHS): $622
  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $124
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charleston Airport (CHS): $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

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

  • Private Airport Transfer: from Alexandria to Borg El Arab Airport (HBE): $20
  • Private transfer from HBE airport to Alexandria Hotel: $20
  • Private Transfer from Borg El Arab Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $20
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $33
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $36
  • Alexandria AIRPORT ARRIVAL TRANSFER: $36
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port – Premium: $37
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port - Standard: $41
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $45
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Borg El Arab Airport - Standard: $53
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port – 15 Seater: $57
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Borg El Arab Airport – Premium: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Charleston 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
    Charleston $46
    Alexandria -
Typical Food prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:


  • Lunch in downtown Charleston for two
    $21
  • Breakfast
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston

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

  • Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour: $73
  • Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston Chef's Kitchen Guided Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston Harbor: Luxury Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Charleston: $129
  • Undiscovered 1/2 Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class: $154
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Charleston w/ Private Tour Option: $277

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

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

  • Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $32
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $36
  • Amazing Alexandria Food Tour: $55
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $60
  • Sound&light show,Giza pyramids-Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charleston $17
    Alexandria -
Typical Entertainment prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:


  • Patriots Point (for 2)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Charleston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Charleston are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston: $48
  • 2-Hour Paddle Board Eco Tour of Charleston Lowcountry: $48
  • 90-Minute Historic Walking Tour of Charleston: $25
  • Amazing Ladies of Charleston Walking Tour: $35
  • Best of Historic Charleston Walking Tour: $35
  • Boone Hall Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston: $61
  • Bruce Knows Insider Walking Tour of Downtown: $26
  • Car Service: Airport to / from Cruise Port: $130
  • Charleston Attraction & Tour Pass for 1, 2, or 3 Days: $73
  • Charleston Boo Hag & Brews Walking Ghost and Bar Tour: $29
  • Charleston Chicora Walking Tour: $26
  • Charleston City Bus Tour with Charleston Museum Admission: $32

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Online Virtual Tour Of Alexandria and Mt. Vernon: $19
  • Alexandria Walking Tour-Walk Like Egyptian: $23
  • American Revolution and Civil War Guided Tour: $25
  • half day tour to Montazah Palace and gardens: $25
  • Old Town, 2.5 Hour Haunted Bar Tour: $27
  • half day tour to The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria): $27
  • Private Day Tour to Alexandria From Alexandria: $30
  • Alexandria Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • Tour in Alex: $32
  • Alexandria Day Tour: $38
  • Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $40
  • Alexandria private excursion tour from Cairo: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $28
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston

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

  • Charleston Bar Hunt: Charleston Chase Bar Crawl: $12
  • Ghost Walking Tour and Pub Crawl in Haunted Charleston: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of the Market: $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria Bar Hunt: Ye Olde Pub Crawl through Old Town: $12
  • Haunted Old Town Alexandria Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $26

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Charleston or Alexandria?

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 Charleston or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Alexandria. Many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Charleston is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The temperature in Charleston is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Alexandria stays around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In the summer, Charleston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charleston 82°F (28°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charleston in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Charleston is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charleston in October are around 67°F (19°C), and Alexandria is about 60°F (15°C).

Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during autumn. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charleston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charleston 67°F (19°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Charleston during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Alexandria can be very cold. In January, Charleston is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Temperatures in Charleston average around 47°F (9°C), and Alexandria stays around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charleston 47°F (9°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Alexandria. The spring months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Charleston is a little warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The temperature in Charleston is usually 64°F (18°C) in April, and Alexandria stays around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during spring. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charleston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charleston 64°F (18°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Charleston

Charleston Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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Charleston vs. Alexandria Travel Comparison

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