A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Palm Springs for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Charleston or Palm Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Palm Springs, 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.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a chic, outdoorsy, and ritzy city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Charleston and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Palm Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charleston than Palm Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charleston is better known for its food, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Palm Springs is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Palm Springs is more touristy than Charleston and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. 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.

How is Charleston different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Charleston has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Palm Springs has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Is Charleston or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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 Palm Springs Better for Music?

Charleston is very good for live music. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Palm Springs offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

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 Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Charleston is notable for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Charleston is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Palm Springs Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town. However, Palm Springs does not have a historic old town.

Charleston offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Palm Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

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

Palm Springs is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Palm Springs?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for shopping. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Palm Springs is well-known for its shopping. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

Is Charleston or Palm Springs Better for Christmas?

Charleston is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Palm Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Charleston is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Palm Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Palm Springs Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Palm Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

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

Palm Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

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 Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for romance. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Charleston has plenty to offer. 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.

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

Is Charleston or Palm Springs Better for Students?

Charleston is very good for students. However, Palm Springs is not popular with students.

Charleston is a good coastal town to visit for students. 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.

Palm Springs is not popular with students.

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

Both Charleston and Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Charleston or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Charleston is notable for its walkability. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Palm Springs?

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

Families should spend more time in Charleston than Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this southern coastal town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the chic city of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 Palm Springs?

Charleston is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. 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 nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Charleston or Palm Springs?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this southern destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Palm Springs, a popular city, 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 Palm Springs?

Charleston is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Palm Springs?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Charleston is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charleston in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Charleston. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charleston or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs 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. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

In October, Charleston is generally around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 67°F (19°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Charleston usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Palm Springs. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Charleston is much colder than Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 47°F (9°C) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Charleston usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Palm Springs in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Charleston is around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charleston in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Charleston usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Charleston