Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Charleston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Minneapolis, 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 is a southern, quaint, and historic coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.
Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Charleston than Minneapolis. While Minneapolis is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is more popular for its food, music, resorts, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Minneapolis is known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Charleston is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also home to The Waterfront Park. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Minneapolis and Charleston. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.
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.
Charleston is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
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.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.
Minneapolis is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.
Minneapolis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.
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.
Charleston is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Minneapolis is not a live music destination.
The music scene helps keep Charleston active and fun. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.
Minneapolis is not a live music destination.
Charleston is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.
With a selection of resorts, Charleston makes a nice vacation spot. 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.
Minneapolis is not a resort destination.
Charleston is a very popular place for the beache. However, Minneapolis 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.
Minneapolis is not a beach destination.
Charleston is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Minneapolis 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.
Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.
Both Charleston and Minneapolis are amazing shopping destinations.
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.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Minneapolis. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.
Charleston is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Minneapolis does not offer Christmas activities.
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.
Minneapolis does not offer Christmas activities.
Charleston is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Minneapolis does not offer Christmas markets.
Charleston has Christmas markets worth visiting. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.
Minneapolis does not offer Christmas markets.
Minneapolis is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Charleston is a family-friendly coastal town. 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.
Charleston is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.
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.
Minneapolis is a good coastal town for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.
Minneapolis is notable for students. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.
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.
Minneapolis 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.
Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around 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.
Charleston is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
Charleston is a very walkable coastal town. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.
Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable coastal town. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.
For even more information, also check out Is Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.
It's fun to spend time in either Charleston or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Charleston due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.
Families should spend more time in Charleston than Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis. 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 Charleston than Minneapolis 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 Charleston.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the classic coastal town of Charleston. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the classic destination of Charleston. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
With nightlife and food around the destination of Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the picturesque coastal town of Charleston. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
Minneapolis, 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.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the quaint destination of Charleston. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.
Minneapolis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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.
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 Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Charleston or Minneapolis? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:
Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.
For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Charleston are as follows:
For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:
Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charleston and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis Expensive?.
Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Minneapolis, 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.
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.
Both Minneapolis and Charleston during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.
In July, Charleston is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 82°F (28°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).
In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charleston. In the summer, Charleston often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Minneapolis. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Charleston is much warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 67°F (19°C) in October, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Charleston usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Charleston is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charleston in January average around 47°F (9°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 15°F (-10°C).
In the winter, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.
Charleston usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Minneapolis and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charleston in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Charleston is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 64°F (18°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).
It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during spring. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Charleston usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Charleston | Minneapolis | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 47°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
Feb | 50°F (10°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
Mar | 58°F (14°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
Apr | 64°F (18°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 49°F (10°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
May | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
Jun | 78°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (176 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Sep | 76°F (25°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
Oct | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
Nov | 58°F (15°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |