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

Should you visit Charlotte or Richmond?

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 Richmond 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Charlotte and Richmond: 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 Richmond?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charlotte than Richmond. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Charlotte is very popular for its big city activities, while Richmond attracts visitors for its museums. Richmond is more touristy than Charlotte and is popular for its cultural and historical sights. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also well known for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

How is Charlotte different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charlotte
Richmond

Richmond 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 Richmond specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Richmond

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

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.

Richmond offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Charlotte or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Richmond

The vibe at night is nice in both Charlotte and Richmond.

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 Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Richmond?

Charlotte
Richmond

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Richmond both offer plenty of nice 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.

Richmond is a great destination for shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.


Is Charlotte or Richmond Better for Families?

Charlotte
Richmond

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Richmond.

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.

Richmond is a family-friendly place to visit. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Charlotte or Richmond Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Richmond

Both Charlotte and Richmond are nice 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Charlotte or Richmond Better for Students?

Charlotte
Richmond

For students, both Charlotte and Richmond are nice places to visit.

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.

Richmond is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.


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

Charlotte
Richmond

Charlotte is very good for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Charlotte has a few public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Charlotte or Richmond a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Richmond

Charlotte and Richmond are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Charlotte or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Charlotte than Richmond 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 Richmond.

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


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

One day in Charlotte or Richmond?

The city of Charlotte offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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


A weekend in Charlotte or Richmond?

Charlotte is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlotte, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Charlotte is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the growing city of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Charlotte is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Richmond 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, Richmond 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 Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Richmond $72

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 Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $21
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

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

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Richmond $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 Richmond

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

  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
  • Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour: $30
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $38
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • Private Sightseeing Tour by Electric Cart in Richmond: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Richmond -

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 Richmond

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

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


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

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


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Richmond?

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

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 Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond 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. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Richmond this time of year.

Charlotte is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the summer, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.

Richmond gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually gets less rain in July than Richmond. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Richmond in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Charlotte is a little warmer than Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond 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 Richmond during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Richmond. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Richmond in the Winter?

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

Richmond can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In the winter, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in January than Richmond. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond 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.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Richmond. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Charlotte

Charlotte Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)