Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia or Charlotte?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Philadelphia can help you decide which place is right for you.
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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Charlotte, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Philadelphia and Charlotte. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia has many famous sights for visitors. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.
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.
Philadelphia is great for its shows and theatre. However, Charlotte is not a theatre destination.
Philadelphia has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.
Charlotte is not a theatre destination.
Philadelphia 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.
Philadelphia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.
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.
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia for the nightlife scene. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.
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.
Philadelphia is great for its music scene. However, Charlotte is not a live music destination.
The music scene in Philadelphia draws a good crowd. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.
Charlotte is not a live music destination.
Philadelphia is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Charlotte does not have a historic old town.
Philadelphia has an old town worth visiting. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.
Charlotte does not have a historic old town.
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.
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.
Philadelphia is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Charlotte does not offer Christmas activities.
Philadelphia is a very popular destination during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.
Charlotte does not offer Christmas activities.
Philadelphia is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Charlotte does not offer Christmas markets.
Philadelphia offers some nice Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.
Charlotte does not offer Christmas markets.
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.
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.
Both Charlotte and Philadelphia are good destinations to visit as a couple.
Charlotte is a good city for couples to visit. 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.
Philadelphia is a nice destination for couples. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.
Philadelphia is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.
Philadelphia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.
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.
Philadelphia is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.
Philadelphia is very popular with students. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.
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.
Philadelphia is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.
Charlotte has a few public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.
Philadelphia is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Philadelphia is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.
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 Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlotte and Philadelphia. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Philadelphia than Charlotte. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.
Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Charlotte. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Philadelphia, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than Charlotte. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Philadelphia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.
In Charlotte, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this evolving city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.
People visit Philadelphia because there is so much to do. 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.
Charlotte is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
People visit Philadelphia because there is so much to do. 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.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming destination of Charlotte. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic city of Philadelphia. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Charlotte is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Philadelphia 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.
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 Philadelphia is $188. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Philadelphia? 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.
Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia Expensive?.
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Charlotte. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Philadelphia, 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Philadelphia. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.
Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Charlotte is a little warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.
Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Philadelphia and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Charlotte is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).
Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Philadelphia and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.
Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Philadelphia. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Charlotte | Philadelphia | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
Feb | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
Apr | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
May | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |