A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. San Antonio for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

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Should you visit Charleston or San Antonio?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or San Antonio, 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.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a historic and cultural city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

How is Charleston different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Charleston or San Antonio better for Museums and Historical Sights?

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

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. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around San Antonio. The city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.


Is Charleston or San Antonio better for Food?

Most foodies will appreciate the options in Charleston a bit more than San Antonio.

Known for it's food scene, Charleston is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. Local favorites include she crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

San Antonio offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is Charleston or San Antonio better for Nightlife?

Evening events are similar in both Charleston and San Antonio.

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.

San Antonio has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs.

Is Charleston or San Antonio better for Music?

Both Charleston and San Antonio offer a variety of live music venues.

The music scene helps keep Charleston active and fun. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in San Antonio. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Is Charleston or San Antonio better for its Old Town?

While San Antonio and Charleston both have old towns, overall Charleston is more well-known.

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.

Many visitors go to San Antonio to see the historical old town. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.


Is Charleston or San Antonio better for Shopping?

Charleston usually beats out San Antonio for shopping.

Charleston is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

San Antonio is a good destination for shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town.

Is Charleston or San Antonio better for Christmas?

Both Charleston and San Antonio are fun destinations to visit around Christmas.

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.

San Antonio is a fun destination over Christmas. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Is Charleston or San Antonio better for Families?

Families will find a wider variety of activities in San Antonio than Charleston.

San Antonio is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Charleston. The area has a number of family friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Charleston or San Antonio better for Couples?

While San Antonio and Charleston are both popular destinations, overall Charleston is considered to be a more popular choice.

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.

San Antonio is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town.


Is Charleston or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Charleston is more walkable than San Antonio.

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.

San Antonio is generally not very walkable. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot.

Charleston and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Charleston
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
San Antonio
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or San Antonio?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charleston and San Antonio. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than San Antonio.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Charleston is 2-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to San Antonio is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Charleston or San Antonio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charleston 2-7 
    San Antonio 2-3

One day in Charleston or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the classic coastal town of Charleston. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire area has lots to do.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of San Antonio, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Charleston or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the southern destination of Charleston. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend here when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of San Antonio, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Charleston or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the charming coastal town of Charleston. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

San Antonio, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the quaint destination of Charleston. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

San Antonio is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Which city is cheaper, San Antonio 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 San Antonio is $106. 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 San Antonio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charleston $72
    San Antonio $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charleston $144
    San Antonio $110

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charleston $26
    San Antonio $16

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

Typical Local Transportation prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from San Antonio Airport SAT: $35
  • Private Departure Transfer to San Antonio Airport SAT: $35
  • San Antonio International Airport One Way Transfer: $53
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio to San Antonio Airport: $78
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio Airport to San Antonio City: $78
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • San Antonio to San Antonio Airport (SAT) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Private transfer San Antonio Pier to Airport: $125
  • Transfer from San Antonio port in small groups + Cultural city tour in Santiago: $128
  • Private San Antonio Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $138
  • Private San Antonio Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $147
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or San Antonio?

Prices for flights to both San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $32
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 San Antonio

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

  • San Antonio Walking Food Tour: Downtown Delicacies: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charleston $17
    San Antonio $28
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

Typical Entertainment prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

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

  • San Antonio Ranger Creek Brewstillery Tour: $13
  • Skip the Line: San Antonio Zoo General Admission Ticket: $17
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio Admission Ticket: $18
  • San Antonio Ghost Walking Tour: $18
  • Walking Ghost Tour of Downtown San Antonio: $19
  • Ripley's San Antonio Haunted Adventure Haunted House: $20
  • River City Ghost Walking Tour of San Antonio: $20
  • San Antonio Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • San Antonio Haunted History Ghost Tour: $21
  • The Madames and Mayhem Walking Ghost Tour: $23
  • Mutiny: Pirate Adventure Escape Room at Extreme Escape San Antonio: $32
  • Trapped Below: Underground Escape Room Adventure at Extreme Escape San Antonio: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charleston $28
    San Antonio -

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 San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted San Antonio Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour with Wine Tasting Options: $109
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Wine Tour from San Antonio: $149
  • San Antonio port, wine tasting an off the beaten path destination: $151
  • Fredericksburg Wine Tour with Five Winery Stops: $325
  • Fredericksburg Wine Tour with Five Winery Stops and Transport to Local Eatery: $375

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charleston and San Antonio, we can see that Charleston is more expensive. And not only is San Antonio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Antonio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Antonio 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 Charleston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charleston than you might in San Antonio.

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Charleston vs. San Antonio Travel Comparison

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