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

Should you visit Charlotte or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a evolving, up-and-coming, and growing city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a glamourous, diverse, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Los Angeles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Los Angeles than Charlotte. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Los Angeles is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also well known for Hollywood. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Los Angeles is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Los Angeles has many famous sights for visitors. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

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 Charlotte or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is great for its shows and theatre. However, Charlotte is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Charlotte is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Los Angeles has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

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 Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Los Angeles is a must-see party destination. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

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 Charlotte or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Los Angeles is terrific for its music scene. However, Charlotte is not a live music destination.

Los Angeles has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Charlotte is not a live music destination.

Is Charlotte or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is great for its luxury resorts. However, Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Los Angeles. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Is Charlotte or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Charlotte or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is terrific for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Los Angeles is a very popular vacation destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is Charlotte or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is terrific for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Los Angeles specifically for its hiking. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Los Angeles specifically to go shopping. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

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 Los Angeles Better for Families?

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

Los Angeles is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

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 Los Angeles Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is terrific for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Los Angeles has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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 Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Charlotte or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Los Angeles. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

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.

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

Charlotte and Los Angeles both offer nice 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.

Los Angeles has a few public transit options. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Charlotte or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Charlotte and Los Angeles are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Los Angeles?

Both Charlotte and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in Charlotte. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Charlotte or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the growing city of Charlotte. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

People visit Los Angeles because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the evolving destination of Charlotte. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

People visit Los Angeles because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Los Angeles?

The growing city of Charlotte offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

People visit Los Angeles because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Charlotte or Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Charlotte. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Los Angeles is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Los Angeles, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlotte and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles than you might in Charlotte.

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

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Charlotte. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

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 Charlotte or Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Los Angeles. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlotte or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Los Angeles. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Charlotte is around the same temperature as Los Angeles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Los Angeles averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Los Angeles. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

In January, Charlotte is generally much colder than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlotte or Los Angeles in the Spring?

Both Los Angeles and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Charlotte is around the same temperature as Los Angeles in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Los Angeles. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Charlotte