A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Seattle for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Charleston or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Seattle, 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 quaint, historic, and classic coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Charleston and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle than Charleston. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seattle is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Charleston attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Charleston is famous for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle.

How is Charleston different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seattle is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seattle can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Charleston is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Charleston is not a theatre destination.

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

Charleston is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Charleston is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

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

Seattle has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is notable for its music scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for live music.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

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.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for Resorts?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Seattle is not a resort destination.

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.

Seattle is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Charleston is notable for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Charleston is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for Hiking?

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

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Seattle?

Charleston is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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, 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for Christmas?

Charleston is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Seattle does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston has Christmas markets worth visiting. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Seattle does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for Families?

Charleston and Seattle are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Charleston is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly coastal town. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for Couples?

Charleston is renowned for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Charleston or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle 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 Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young 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 Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is notable for students. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Seattle is a great city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Plenty of students visit Charleston. 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.

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

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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

Is Charleston or Seattle a more walkable city?

Charleston and Seattle both are superb 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.

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Seattle?

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

Families should spend more time in Charleston than Seattle. 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 Seattle. 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 Seattle 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 Seattle.

One day in Charleston or Seattle?

In Charleston, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

When visiting Seattle, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Seattle?

In Charleston, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charleston has to offer.

When visiting Seattle, people usually allow for lots of time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Seattle?

Charleston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charleston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seattle, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. In Charleston, you'll find live music and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Seattle 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 New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charleston and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Charleston and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Charleston is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during summer. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Charleston. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Seattle. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charleston or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Charleston during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Charleston is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charleston in October average around 67°F (19°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Seattle. Many travelers come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Charleston is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 47°F (9°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Charleston usually receives less rain than Seattle. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Seattle. Many visitors come to Charleston in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Charleston is much warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In the spring, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Charleston