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

Should you visit Charlotte or Nantucket?

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

Charlotte

Charlotte is a up-and-coming, growing, and evolving city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Charlotte and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Charlotte or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Charlotte, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Charlotte is more popular for its big city activities. Nantucket is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Charlotte is well known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charlotte
Nantucket

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Nantucket and Charlotte.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. 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.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


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

Charlotte
Nantucket

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Nantucket

The vibe at night is notable in both Charlotte and Nantucket.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Charlotte or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Charlotte
Nantucket

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Charlotte is not a resort destination.


Is Charlotte or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Charlotte
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Nantucket is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is Charlotte or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Charlotte
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for its historic old town charm. However, Charlotte does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Charlotte does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlotte or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Charlotte
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Nantucket?

Charlotte
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket Better for Families?

Charlotte
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Nantucket

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

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket Better for Students?

Charlotte
Nantucket

Charlotte is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte
Nantucket

Charlotte and Nantucket both offer notable 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.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Is Charlotte or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Charlotte or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.


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

One day in Charlotte or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Charlotte. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charlotte has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the growing destination of Charlotte. 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.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the evolving city of Charlotte. 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.

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Charlotte or Nantucket?

Charlotte 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.

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Nantucket 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 Nantucket is $350. 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 Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Nantucket? 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 Nantucket


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 Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Nantucket $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
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 $43
    Nantucket $34

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress: $59
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Beer & BBQ Walking Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $115
  • Big Bite Brew Tour in Charlotte's LoSo District: $150
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $27
  • Charlotte Comedy City Tour: $40
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Nantucket $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

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


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


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Nantucket?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In the summer, Charlotte is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Charlotte usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Nantucket. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantucket in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. Charlotte is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Nantucket. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Charlotte is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Charlotte usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Charlotte

Charlotte Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)