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

Should you visit Charleston or Dallas?

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

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

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.

Dallas

Located in the north central part of the state, Dallas is a prominent city in Texas and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the United States of America. The business reputation of Dallas rose from its historical status as the center for cotton and oil industries. It was also positioned among numerous railroads.

Which place is cheaper, Dallas or Charleston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $170, while the average daily cost in Dallas is $141. 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 Charleston and Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $90
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $180
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Charleston and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Charleston or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $33
    Dallas $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • Private Transfer From/ to Charleston International Airport (CHS) : $50
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charleston Airport (CHS): $64
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charleston Airport (CHS): $64
  • Charleston Airport: One-Way Transfer to Charleston: $153

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $40
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $203

Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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 $58
    Dallas $35
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.

  • Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise: $63
  • Historic Downtown Food Tour with Tastings: $75
  • Charleston Food Tour: $75
  • Southern Charm Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $85
  • Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise: $86
  • Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
  • Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors: $95
  • Charleston Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
  • Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $95

Typical Food prices in Dallas

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


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $90
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charleston $22
    Dallas $13
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:

  • Self-Guided "The French Quarter Charleston" Solo Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in Charleston: $5.00
  • The French Quarter: GPS Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $5.99
  • Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Ghost Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Highlights Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio History Walking Tour: $12
  • Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting: $14
  • The Miracle Mile Sunday Morning Church Walking Tour: $20
  • Evening History Tour: $20
  • Charleston's Miracle Mile: Church and Cemetery Walking Tour: $21

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Dallas Stars Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $15
  • JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Texas Rangers Baseball Game Ticket at Globe Life Field: $25
  • JFK Assassination Highlights Walking Tour: $26
  • Dallas and JFK Cruizer Tour : $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $36
    Dallas $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston

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

  • Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Guided Pub Crawl and Haunted History Tour: $30
  • Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston : $35
  • Speakeasy Sagas - Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35
  • Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of the Market: $37
  • Historic District Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $40
  • Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip: $122
  • Charleston Winery, Brewery & Sightseeing Tour: $125

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • 1-Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Dallas: $35
  • Haunted Dallas Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $37
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55


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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Dallas?

Dallas is bigger, and its population is about 12.5 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the population of Charleston vs. Dallas, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Charleston or Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Charleston is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 82°F (28°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during summer. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Charleston. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Dallas. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charleston 82°F (28°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Dallas in the Autumn?

Both Dallas and Charleston during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Charleston because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Charleston is around the same temperature as Dallas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 67°F (19°C) in October, and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Charleston often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charleston 67°F (19°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Dallas. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

In the winter, Charleston is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charleston in January average around 47°F (9°C), and Dallas averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during winter. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charleston usually receives more rain than Dallas. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charleston 47°F (9°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Dallas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Dallas. Many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Charleston is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 64°F (18°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In the spring, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Dallas. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charleston 64°F (18°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Charleston

Charleston Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 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.
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Charleston vs. Dallas Travel Comparison

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