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

Should you visit Charleston or Santa Monica?

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

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

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a active, lively, and funfilled town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Charleston and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Santa Monica?

Both Santa Monica and Charleston have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Charleston is more popular for its food, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Santa Monica is known for its nightlife and beaches. Santa Monica is more touristy than Charleston and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Charleston is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses.

How is Charleston different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Monica 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 Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Is Charleston or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica 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 Monica has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Monica Better for Music?

Charleston is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Santa Monica 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 Monica is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Charleston makes a nice vacation spot. 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 Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for the beach. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its beaches.

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

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.

Is Charleston or Santa Monica Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its old town. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Santa Monica?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Charleston or Santa Monica Better for Christmas?

Charleston is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Santa Monica 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 Monica does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Santa Monica Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Is Charleston or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit 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 Monica is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Monica Better for Couples?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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 Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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

Santa Monica 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 Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Monica Better for Students?

Charleston is a popular place for students. However, Santa Monica 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 Monica is not popular with students.

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

Charleston is a moderate coastal town for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Charleston or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Charleston and Santa Monica both are very good when exploring on foot.

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.

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charleston and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than in Santa Monica. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

One day in Charleston or Santa Monica?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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 active town of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Charleston or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Charleston or Santa Monica?

In Charleston, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this quaint 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.

Santa Monica, 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 Monica?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Santa Monica?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Santa Monica, 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 Monica?

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 Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica 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 Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Charleston is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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

Should I visit Charleston or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica 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 Monica because of the shopping scene.

Charleston is around the same temperature as Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 67°F (19°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Charleston usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Santa Monica. 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 Monica this time of year.

In the winter, Charleston is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charleston in January average around 47°F (9°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Charleston usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Santa Monica in the Spring?

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

In April, Charleston is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 64°F (18°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Charleston usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Charleston