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

Should you visit Charlotte or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Charlotte and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Norfolk?

You'll generally find more things to do in Charlotte than Norfolk. Charlotte is bigger than Norfolk, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Charlotte is well known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. Also, Charlotte is famous for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Charlotte different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Charlotte and Norfolk.

Charlotte is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Charlotte or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Norfolk?

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Norfolk both offer plenty of notable spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Charlotte or Norfolk Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Norfolk.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. 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.

Norfolk is a family-friendly place to visit. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Charlotte or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Charlotte is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Charlotte or Norfolk Better for Students?

Charlotte is a popular place for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Charlotte is popular with students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte is a popular place for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Charlotte, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Charlotte or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Charlotte and Norfolk are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Charlotte or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Charlotte than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

One day in Charlotte or Norfolk?

In Charlotte, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Charlotte or Norfolk?

In Charlotte, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charlotte has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the maritime destination of Norfolk. 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 Norfolk?

Charlotte is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the blue collar city of Norfolk. 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 Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlotte. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Charlotte. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Norfolk 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 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 comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Norfolk, we can see that Charlotte is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Norfolk?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Norfolk. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Charlotte is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Norfolk averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the summer, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Norfolk. Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlotte usually gets less rain in July than Norfolk. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

In October, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charlotte or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Charlotte during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. Charlotte is a little warmer than Norfolk in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Norfolk. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Norfolk. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Charlotte is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Norfolk averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Charlotte