A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Santa Cruz for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Charleston or Santa Cruz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Santa Cruz, 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.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a laid back, coastal, and scenic town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Charleston and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Santa Cruz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Charleston than Santa Cruz. Charleston is bigger than Santa Cruz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Charleston is better known for its food, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Santa Cruz is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. 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. Santa Cruz is well known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Charleston different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

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

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.

Santa Cruz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

Is the Food Better in Charleston or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Charleston is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Santa Cruz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Charleston or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Santa Cruz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Music?

Charleston is a popular place for live music. However, Santa Cruz is not a live music destination.

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

Santa Cruz is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Charleston is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

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.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Both Charleston and Santa Cruz have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Charleston. 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.

The beaches at Santa Cruz attract visitors from all over. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Is Charleston or Santa Cruz Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is very popular for its historic old town. However, Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Charleston has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Santa Cruz?

Charleston is very popular for shopping. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Charleston or Santa Cruz Better for Christmas?

Charleston is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Santa Cruz Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Charleston. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Charleston is very popular for romance. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Charleston makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Santa Cruz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

Is Charleston or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Santa Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Students?

Charleston is a popular place for students. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

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

Both Charleston and Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Charleston or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Santa Cruz on foot. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

Charleston is very walkable. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Cruz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Charleston or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Charleston than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

Couples should spend more time in Charleston than Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz than Charleston 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 Santa Cruz.

One day in Charleston or Santa Cruz?

With live music and food around the charming coastal town of Charleston, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back town of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Charleston or Santa Cruz?

With food and shopping around the destination of Charleston, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Charleston or Santa Cruz?

Charleston, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Santa Cruz, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Santa Cruz?

Charleston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Santa Cruz 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.

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 Santa Cruz, we can see that Charleston is more expensive. And not only is Santa Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Santa Cruz?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Charleston is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charleston in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Charleston. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charleston or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Charleston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Charleston is generally around the same temperature as Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 67°F (19°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Charleston usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Santa Cruz. The winter months attract visitors to Charleston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

Charleston is cooler than Santa Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 47°F (9°C) in January, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, Charleston usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Santa Cruz. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches.

In the spring, Charleston is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charleston in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Charleston usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Charleston