A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Aspen for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Charleston or Aspen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Aspen, 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.

Charleston

Charleston is a quaint, historic, and classic coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Aspen

Aspen is a quaint, vibrant, and artsy ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking.

Charleston and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charleston. Although Charleston and Aspen are popular destinations, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is very popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Aspen attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, and small town charm. Charleston is famous for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park. Aspen is famous for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes.

How is Charleston different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for snow skiing. However, Charleston is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Aspen is among the best in the world. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Charleston is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charleston or Aspen?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charleston. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Charleston or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Charleston and Aspen can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Charleston is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

Many restaurants in Aspen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Aspen has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is notable for its music scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for live music.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Aspen. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

You'll find some good live music in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is notable for its resorts. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Aspen is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Charleston has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a great destination for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Charleston attract visitors from all over. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Aspen does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Charleston is one of the most recognized in the world. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Aspen does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Aspen is a popular spot for hiking. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Aspen?

Charleston is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Charleston is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its Christmas activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences.

Aspen is a fantastic destination at Christmas. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Since it has plenty to do, Charleston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is notable for its Christmas markets. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for visiting Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Aspen offer plenty to see during the holidays. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Charleston is a nice place to see Christmas markets. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Families?

Charleston and Aspen are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Charleston is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Aspen is a family-friendly coastal town. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Couples?

Charleston is renowned for couples. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Charleston is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

Aspen is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Students?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for students. However, Aspen is not popular with students.

Charleston is popular with students. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Aspen is not popular with students.

Is Charleston or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Is Charleston or Aspen a more walkable city?

Charleston and Aspen both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Charleston is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Aspen?

In either Charleston or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than Aspen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

One day in Charleston or Aspen?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the live music and food that this charming destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Charleston or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Charleston or Aspen?

Charleston is a fun place to experience. In Charleston, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Aspen, a popular ski town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this ski town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Aspen?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this picturesque destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Aspen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Aspen?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Aspen, 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.