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

Should you visit Charleston or Austin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Austin, 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 charming, southern, and quaint coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Charleston and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Austin?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Charleston than Austin. While Austin is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Charleston is better known for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Austin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities. Charleston is more touristy than Austin and is known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Charleston different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Charleston and Austin can be difficult as they are each amazing 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 Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Is Charleston or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for live music.

In Austin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

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 Austin Better for Resorts?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

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.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Austin Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a great destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Charleston. 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.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Charleston is revered around 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.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Austin?

Charleston is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Charleston is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Charleston or Austin Better for Christmas?

Charleston is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Austin does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Charleston. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Austin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Austin Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Austin does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston has Christmas markets worth visiting. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Austin does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Austin Better for Families?

Charleston and Austin are both notable 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.

Austin is a family-friendly coastal town. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Charleston or Austin Better for Couples?

Charleston is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Charleston has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Charleston or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is notable for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Charleston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Hotels in the old town tend to be pricey and there isn't the backpacker community that you find in many other destinations. Still, there are a couple of hostels.

Is Charleston or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is notable for students. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Plenty of students visit Charleston. 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.

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

Both Charleston and Austin offer respectable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Charleston or Austin a more walkable city?

Charleston is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable coastal town. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charleston and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than in Austin. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Charleston 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 Austin.

One day in Charleston or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Charleston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With live music and food around the entrepreneurial city of Austin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Charleston or Austin?

Charleston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Austin, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Charleston or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Austin, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the charming destination of Charleston. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Austin 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 New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charleston and Austin, we can see that Charleston is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Austin.

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Austin, 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 Charleston or Austin?

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 Charleston or Austin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Austin. The summer months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the summer, Charleston is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charleston in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charleston usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charleston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Austin. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charleston or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Austin. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Charleston is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 67°F (19°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the autumn, Charleston often gets less sunshine than Austin. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Austin. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Charleston is cooler than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 47°F (9°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charleston usually receives more rain than Austin. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Charleston during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Charleston in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Charleston is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charleston in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charleston. In the spring, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Austin. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Charleston