Which place is cheaper, Columbia or Charlotte?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Columbia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
Jump to 
Should you visit Charlotte or Columbia?
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 Columbia can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Charlotte or Columbia?
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.
Columbia
Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCharlotte $191Columbia $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, while the average daily cost in Columbia is $0.00. 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 Columbia in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCharlotte $118Columbia -
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCharlotte $236Columbia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Columbia
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Columbia? 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.
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 Columbia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Charlotte $33Columbia -
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Columbia?
Prices for flights to both Columbia 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 dayCharlotte $46Columbia $5.03
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Charlotte $43Columbia -
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
- Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
- Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
- 1.5-Hour Haunted Walking Tour: $16
- 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
- Queen City Ghosts Charlotte Most Haunted Tour : $30
- Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $32
- Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $32
- Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Tour: $35
Tours and Activities in Columbia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:
- Soda City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Columbia: $12
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCharlotte $20Columbia $88
Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:
- Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlotte and Columbia, we can see that Charlotte is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte than you might in Columbia.
Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Columbia?
Charlotte is bigger, and its population is about 5.1 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the population of Charlotte vs. Columbia, 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 Columbia?
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 Columbia in the Summer?
Both Columbia and Charlotte during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
In Columbia, 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 Columbia. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun.
Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Columbia. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCharlotte 81°F (27°C)Columbia 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Columbia in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Columbia.
Charlotte is around the same temperature as Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Columbia. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Columbia in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Columbia.
In the winter, Charlotte is cooler than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).
In the winter, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun.
Charlotte usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Columbia. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCharlotte 42°F (6°C)Columbia 45°F (7°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Columbia in the Spring?
Both Columbia and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Columbia. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Columbia and Charlotte
| Charlotte | Columbia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Feb | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
Related Articles for Charlotte
Related Articles for Columbia
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.
More City Comparisons
Washington vs. CharlotteWashington vs. Columbia
Clearwater vs. Charlotte
Clearwater vs. Columbia
Fort Lauderdale vs. Charlotte
Fort Lauderdale vs. Columbia
Gainesville vs. Charlotte
Gainesville vs. Columbia
Jacksonville vs. Charlotte
Jacksonville vs. Columbia
Miami vs. Charlotte
Miami vs. Columbia
Orlando vs. Charlotte
Orlando vs. Columbia
Saint Petersburg vs. Charlotte
Saint Petersburg vs. Columbia
Tallahassee vs. Charlotte
Tallahassee vs. Columbia
Tampa vs. Charlotte
Tampa vs. Columbia
Atlanta vs. Charlotte
Atlanta vs. Columbia
Savannah vs. Charlotte
Savannah vs. Columbia
New Orleans vs. Charlotte
New Orleans vs. Columbia
Baltimore vs. Charlotte
Baltimore vs. Columbia
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.