A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Dallas for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Charlotte or Dallas?

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 Dallas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Charlotte and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Charlotte or Dallas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas than Charlotte, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Charlotte different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dallas and Charlotte. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlotte or Dallas?

Charlotte
Dallas

Dallas is great for its historical sights. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.


Is the Food Better in Charlotte or Dallas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Dallas

Dallas is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Charlotte offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Is Charlotte or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Dallas

Dallas is great for its evening party scene. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Dallas for the nightlife scene. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Dallas?

Charlotte
Dallas

Dallas is great for its shopping areas. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Charlotte is a great destination for shopping. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.


Is Charlotte or Dallas Better for Families?

Charlotte
Dallas

Dallas is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Charlotte or Dallas Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Dallas

Dallas is great for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Dallas is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Charlotte or Dallas Better for Students?

Charlotte
Dallas

Charlotte is very good for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Charlotte is a good city to visit for students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.


Is Charlotte or Dallas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlotte
Dallas

Charlotte and Dallas both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Charlotte or Dallas a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Dallas

Charlotte is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable place. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Dallas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Charlotte or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dallas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

Families should spend more time in Dallas than Charlotte. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dallas, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dallas than Charlotte. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dallas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dallas than Charlotte 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 Dallas.


  • How many days in Charlotte or Dallas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlotte 1-3 
    Dallas 2-4

One day in Charlotte or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Charlotte. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dallas. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Charlotte or Dallas?

Charlotte is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the upscale destination of Dallas. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlotte. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chic city of Dallas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Charlotte. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dallas is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Dallas 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 Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Dallas $28

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
  • Charlotte City to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $134
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $134
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $206
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Dallas Airport (DAL) - Dallas City Center: $181
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $127
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $127
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $127
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $35
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

Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • JFK Food & Culture Walking Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Dallas $13

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
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Charlotte by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
  • Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte: $15
  • UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket: $16
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket at Spectrum Center: $16
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Charlotte by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2 Hour Festive Walk Tour in Dallas: $249
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 2hr Dallas Mural tour on Talking E-Bike - Ride it yourself : $60
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Create Your Own Dallas and Fort Worth Combination Tour: $146
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
  • Dallas Stars Ice Hockey Game Ticket at American Airlines Center: $35
  • Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Dallas $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlotte and Dallas, we can see that Charlotte is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Charlotte. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Dallas, 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 Charlotte or Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Charlotte during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In July, Charlotte is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the summer, Charlotte often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Dallas. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Charlotte is cooler than Dallas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas 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 Dallas during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Dallas. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Dallas. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Dallas in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Charlotte is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Dallas averages at about 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Dallas for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Charlotte is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Dallas. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Charlotte

Charlotte Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)