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

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Should you visit Charleston or Norfolk?

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

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

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.

Norfolk

The city of Norfolk in the U.S. state of Virginia is a port city holding a large Navy and shipping presence in its harbor. With a long history as a strategic military point, Norfolk is home to the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Other attractions include opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment as well as many parks and memorials.

Which city is cheaper, Norfolk or Charleston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $136, while the average daily cost in Norfolk is $133. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Charleston and Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $72
    Norfolk $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $144
    Norfolk $136
Compare Hotels in Charleston and Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Charleston or Norfolk? 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 Norfolk


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 Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $26
    Norfolk $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $124
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charleston Airport (CHS): $52
  • Private transfer: Charleston to Charleston Airport (CHS): $622

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: PFH to Outer Banks North Carolina by Luxury Vehicle: $283

Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or Norfolk?

Prices for flights to both Norfolk 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 $46
    Norfolk $39
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.

  • Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour: $73
  • Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston Chef's Kitchen Guided Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston Harbor: Luxury Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Charleston: $129
  • Undiscovered 1/2 Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class: $154
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Charleston w/ Private Tour Option: $277

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

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

  • Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River: $84
  • Spirit of Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charleston $17
    Norfolk $11
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:

  • Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Smart Phone Guided Tour: $5.00
  • Charleston Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $16
  • Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour: $21
  • Downtown Charleston Walking Tour with Certified Local Guide: $21
  • Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
  • Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Charleston French Quarter Historic Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Drayton Hall Plantation Admission Ticket in Charleston: $22
  • Small-Group Tour: Charleston Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour: $23
  • Charleston Terrors Walking Ghost Tour: $23
  • Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • 90-Minute Historic Walking Tour of Charleston: $25

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City Sightseeing Norwich Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $19
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Norfolk Chronicles History Walking Tour: $36
  • Self-Guided E-Bike Tour Elizabeth River Trail 2-Hour/3rd Hour Free: $50
  • Norfolk Passport to Fun City Sightseeing and Discount Book: $52
  • E-Bike Cannonball Trail Guided History Tour of Norfolk: $59
  • Spirit of Norfolk Lunch Cruise on the Elizabeth River: $61
  • Candle Making Experience: $69
  • Spirit of Norfolk Buffet Lunch Cruise: $77
  • 1/2 Day E-Bike Tour of Norfolk's History and Art: $78
  • 1/2 Day E-Bike Tour of Norfolk's History and Art: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $28
    Norfolk $8.39

Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston

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

  • Charleston Bar Hunt: Charleston Chase Bar Crawl: $12
  • Ghost Walking Tour and Pub Crawl in Haunted Charleston: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of the Market: $37

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Charleston and Norfolk, we can see that Charleston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Charleston or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Norfolk. Many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Charleston is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charleston in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Norfolk is about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during summer. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charleston 82°F (28°C) 
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Norfolk. Most visitors come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Charleston is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Temperatures in Charleston average around 67°F (19°C), and Norfolk stays around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. In the autumn, Charleston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Norfolk. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charleston 67°F (19°C) 
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Charleston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. Charleston is much warmer than Norfolk in the winter. The temperature in Charleston is usually 47°F (9°C) in January, and Norfolk stays around 39°F (4°C).

Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during winter. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charleston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charleston 47°F (9°C) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Charleston during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

In the spring, Charleston is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charleston in April are around 64°F (18°C), and Norfolk is about 58°F (14°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charleston. In the spring, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Norfolk. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charleston 64°F (18°C) 
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Charleston

Charleston Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)


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Charleston vs. Norfolk Travel Comparison

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