A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Nantucket for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Charleston or Nantucket?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Nantucket, 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 historic, classic, and picturesque 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Charleston and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charleston than Nantucket, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charleston is better known for its music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Nantucket is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and small town charm. Charleston is well known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling.

How is Charleston different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantucket 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 Nantucket?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Charleston or Nantucket.

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.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Charleston and Nantucket can be difficult as they are each terrific 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 Nantucket have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Is Charleston or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Charleston and Nantucket.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Charleston or Nantucket Better for Music?

Charleston is very good for live music. However, Nantucket is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Nantucket is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

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

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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 Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Both Charleston and Nantucket have excellent beaches worth visiting.

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.

The beaches at Nantucket attract visitors from all over. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Charleston or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its 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.

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Is Charleston or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

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

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Nantucket?

Charleston is renowned for shopping. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Charleston. 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.

Nantucket is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Is Charleston or Nantucket Better for Christmas?

Charleston is a great coastal town for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Nantucket does not offer Christmas activities.

Charleston is a very popular destination during Christmas. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Nantucket does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Nantucket Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Nantucket does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston offers some nice Christmas markets. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Nantucket does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Nantucket Better for Families?

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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.

Is Charleston or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Charleston and Nantucket are both terrific to visit as a couple.

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.

Nantucket is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Is Charleston or Nantucket Better for Students?

Charleston is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

Charleston and Nantucket both are excellent 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.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Charleston or Nantucket. 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 Nantucket.

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

Couples should spend more time in Charleston than Nantucket. 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 Nantucket 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.

One day in Charleston or Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint coastal town of Charleston. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find live music and food around the quaint destination of Charleston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Even though Nantucket 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. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Charleston or Nantucket?

You'll find food and shopping around the southern coastal town of Charleston. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

Nantucket, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Nantucket?

Charleston is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charleston, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Nantucket?

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

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Nantucket. Most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Charleston is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charleston in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston usually gets more rain in July than Nantucket. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Charleston because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In October, Charleston is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 67°F (19°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In October, Charleston usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charleston or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Charleston during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nantucket. Charleston is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 47°F (9°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Charleston usually gets less rain in January than Nantucket. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Nantucket. Many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantucket in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Charleston is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charleston in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Charleston usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Charleston