Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Charlotte?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Charlotte or Saint John?
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 Saint John can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Charlotte or Saint John?
Charlotte
With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.
Saint John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCharlotte $191Saint John $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $192. 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 Saint John in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCharlotte $118Saint John $106
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCharlotte $236Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Saint John
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Saint John? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Charlotte Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Charlotte $33Saint John $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte
Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
- Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
- Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Saint John?
Prices for flights to both Saint John 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 dayCharlotte $46Saint John $56
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 $43Saint John $23
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
- Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
- Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
- Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte: $15
- UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
- UPTOWN AT SUNDOWN: 1 Hour Guided Arts Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
- 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
- Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26
Tours and Activities in Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
- USVI: Island & Beach Tours in St. Thomas & St. John (2 Days): $199
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCharlotte $20Saint John $44
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 comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Saint John, we can see that Saint John 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. Even though Charlotte is in North America and Saint John is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Charlotte Expensive? and Is Saint John Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Charlotte or Saint John?
Charlotte has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Charlotte or Saint John in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Saint John. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.
In the summer, Charlotte is around the same temperature as Saint John. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Saint John averages at about 29°C (83°F).
Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Saint John. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCharlotte 81°F (27°C)Saint John 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Saint John in the Autumn?
Both Saint John and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Charlotte is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John. In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Saint John. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Saint John 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Saint John in the Winter?
Both Saint John and Charlotte during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.
Charlotte is much colder than Saint John in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Charlotte usually gets more rain in January than Saint John. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCharlotte 42°F (6°C)Saint John 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Saint John in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Saint John. The activities around the city are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Charlotte is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Saint John averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In April, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Saint John. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Saint John 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John and Charlotte
| Charlotte | Saint John | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.