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

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Should you visit Charleston or Richmond?

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

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

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.

Richmond

One of the oldest American cities, Richmond was established in 1607 by English settlers led by Captain Christopher Newport and Captain John Smith. During the Civil War it existed as the capital of the Confederacy, and today it remains the capital of the U.S. state of Virginia. There are many historic sights to see and museums to explore, as well as plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Which city is cheaper, Richmond 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 Richmond is $129. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $72
    Richmond $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $144
    Richmond $162
Compare Hotels in Charleston and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Charleston or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $26
    Richmond $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR): $34
  • Private Airport Transfer: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Vancouver: $39
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Vancouver Airport to Vancouver Downtown: $60
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Vancouver Airport to North West Vancouver: $70
  • Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Canada Place Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Vancouver hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Vancouver Airport to Vancouver Downtown: $73
  • Arrival Private Transfer Vancouver YVR / Port to Vancouver by Business Car: $81
  • Arrival Private Transfer Vancouver YVR or Cruise Port to Vancouver by Luxury SUV: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from YVR Vancouver Airport to Vancouver City: $96
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Vancouver Airport YVR to Vancouver in Business Car: $105
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver International Airport to Ferry Terminal: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $17
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 Richmond

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

  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $65
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $66
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $70
  • Pizza Making Party: $99
  • Thai Cooking Class: $130
  • Chinese Cooking Class Master: $130
  • Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $134
  • Indian Cooking Master Class: $134
  • Arts District 3 Hours Guided Walking Food Tour: $173

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charleston $17
    Richmond $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 Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • City Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $11
  • Blue Bee Cider 1-Hour Tour and Tasting: $17
  • Richmond Ghosts Walking Ghost Tour: $20
  • Walking Ghost Tour: $23
  • On Foot RVA Running Tours of Richmond, Virginia: $36
  • Hollywood Cemetery Electric Car Tour in Richmond: $38
  • Richmond Landmark Segway Tour: $44
  • Vancouver City Tour: $66
  • Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver: $124
  • Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Canada Place Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfe: $144
  • RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour of Richmond: $150
  • Mountain Biking Adventure on Narrowback Mountain: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $28
    Richmond -

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

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

  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $320

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Charleston and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond 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.

Charleston is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The temperature in Charleston is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Richmond stays around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during summer. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Richmond. It's quite rainy in Charleston. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Richmond. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charleston 82°F (28°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Richmond in the Autumn?

Both Richmond 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.

In the autumn, Charleston is a little warmer than Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charleston in October are around 67°F (19°C), and Richmond is about 59°F (15°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Charleston often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets less rain in October than Richmond. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charleston 67°F (19°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Richmond in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Richmond. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Richmond. In January, Charleston is generally much warmer than Richmond. Temperatures in Charleston average around 47°F (9°C), and Richmond stays around 36°F (2°C).

Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Richmond during winter. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charleston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Richmond. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charleston 47°F (9°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Charleston or Richmond in the Spring?

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

Charleston is a little warmer than Richmond in the spring. The temperature in Charleston is usually 64°F (18°C) in April, and Richmond stays around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In the spring, Charleston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets less rain in April than Richmond. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Richmond and Charleston

Charleston Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 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) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)


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Charleston vs. Richmond Travel Comparison

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