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

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Should you visit Charlotte or Boston?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Boston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Charlotte or Boston?

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

Which place is cheaper, Boston or Charlotte?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, while the average daily cost in Boston is $254. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Charlotte and Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Boston? 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 Charlotte


Hotels in Boston


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Boston $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT: $54
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99

Typical Local Transportation prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Flynn Cruiseport Private Transfer to Boston: $696
  • Private Transfer from Boston Airport to Providence RI: $254
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $247
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $171
  • Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
  • Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
  • Boston Logan Airport Transfer Limo & Shuttle Service: $140
  • Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Newport Port: $87
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) - Private Round trip transfer : $62
  • Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston and Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $46
    Boston $49
Typical Food prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

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

  • Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
  • AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $49
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • The Ultimate Boston Food Tour: $67
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $75
  • Boston's North End Food Tour Small Group Walking Tour: $75
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $82
  • Boston's North End: Secret Food Tour: $88
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: Freedom Trail & North End: $89
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Boston $33

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.

  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
  • Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
  • UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
  • Carolina Panthers Football Game Ticket at Bank of America Stadium: $18
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Charlotte by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $25
  • Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
  • Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26
  • Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26

Typical Entertainment prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

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

  • Boston Massachusetts Private Photography Tour: $130
  • "Ghosts of Boston" Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $25
  • 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option: $46
  • 1692 Salem Day Tour: $30
  • 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $30
  • 2 Hour North End 'Little Italy' Walking Tour : $35
  • 2-Day Niagara Falls USA & Secret Cavern Tour from Boston: $229
  • 2-Hour Beacon Hill True Crime Expert Guided Tour: $35
  • 2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour: $40
  • 3-Hour Private "Cold Weather- Warm Van" Driving Tour of Boston: $495
  • 90-Minute Historical Walking Tour in Boston: $34

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Boston $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $42
  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $33
  • Salem Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Boston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $36
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Freedom Trail Bar Crawl Smartphone Audio Guide: $72
  • Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Boston?

Charlotte is bigger, and its population is about 2% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the population of Charlotte vs. Boston, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Charlotte or Boston?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Charlotte or Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Charlotte during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Charlotte is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the summer, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Boston 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Boston. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Boston. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Boston 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Boston. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. Charlotte is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Boston. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Boston. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Boston 29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Charlotte is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Boston 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and Charlotte

Charlotte Boston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Charlotte vs. Boston Travel Comparison

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