A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Pocono Mountains for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Charleston or Pocono Mountains?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Pocono Mountains, 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 classic, picturesque, and charming 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, skiing, and food.

Charleston and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Pocono Mountains?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charleston. Although Charleston and Pocono Mountains are both popular with visitors, Charleston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Charleston is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pocono Mountains is known for its skiing and hiking. Charleston is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also home to The Waterfront Park. Pocono Mountains is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns.

How is Charleston different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Charleston. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is notable for snow skiing. However, Charleston is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Charleston is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charleston or Pocono Mountains?

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

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.

Pocono Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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

Charleston is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Charleston have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Music?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its live music scene. However, Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, good resorts can be found in both Charleston and Pocono Mountains.

Charleston has a few great resort options. 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.

Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Charleston is notable for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Charleston attract visitors from all over. 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.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Charleston can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

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

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Pocono Mountains?

Charleston is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Charleston make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Christmas?

Charleston is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston is a nice place to see Christmas markets. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Charleston is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for couples.

Charleston is a great coastal town for couples, as it 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.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is notable for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Charleston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Hotels in the old town tend to be pricey and there isn't the backpacker community that you find in many other destinations. Still, there are a couple of hostels.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains Better for Students?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for students. However, Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Both Charleston and Pocono Mountains offer decent 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Charleston or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Charleston is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region 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.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable coastal town. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Pocono Mountains?

Both Charleston and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Charleston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Charleston than Pocono Mountains. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

Families should spend more time in Charleston than Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the classic destination of Charleston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With museums and skiing around the relaxing region of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and museums around the picturesque coastal town of Charleston. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With skiing and food around the destination of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Charleston or Pocono Mountains?

Charleston is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Pocono Mountains, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Pocono Mountains?

Charleston is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Pocono Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. 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 comparing the travel costs between Charleston and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Pocono Mountains 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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Charleston Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Pocono Mountains?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Charleston is generally a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 82°F (28°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during summer. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. It's quite rainy in Charleston. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charleston or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Charleston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Charleston is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 67°F (19°C) in October, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pocono Mountains. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Pocono Mountains. Many visitors come to Charleston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Pocono Mountains can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Charleston is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charleston in January average around 47°F (9°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during winter. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charleston usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the natural beauty.

In April, Charleston is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 64°F (18°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In the spring, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets less rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Charleston