A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. San Francisco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Charlotte or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Charlotte or San Francisco?

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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.

Which city is cheaper, San Francisco or Charlotte?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $153, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $178. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Charlotte and San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $94
    San Francisco $104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $188
    San Francisco $208
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco


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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $27
    San Francisco $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by SUV: $141
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT by SUV: $140
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
  • Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by Sedan car: $86
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT Sedan Car: $85
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • Charlotte City to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT: $38

Typical Local Transportation prices in San Francisco

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:


  • Taxi to SFO
    $45
  • Golden Gate Bridge Toll
    $6.00
  • Alcatraz Tour
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco

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

  • Private Transfer from San Fransisco City To Carmel-by-the-Sea.: $450
  • Private transfer from SFO to or from Sacramento (SUV): $400
  • Private Airport Transfer From SFO to San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf: $395
  • Private Airport Transfer from SFO To Carmel-by-the-Sea.: $370
  • Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $310
  • Private Airport Transfer from SFO to Yountville, Napa Valley: $300
  • Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Napa Valley: $270
  • SFO Roundtrip Airport Hotel Transfer: $267
  • Private Airport Transfer from SFO to Sonoma Valley: $255
  • Private Transfer from SFO to Napa: $235
  • Oakland to San Francisco Downtown Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $200
  • Private Airport Transfer from SFO To Walnut Creek.: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 $37
    San Francisco $36
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 San Francisco

For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $15
  • Traveling Spoon Pad Thai and Papaya Salad Private Online Cooking Class: $25
  • Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Cooking with Ale: let's make Tiramisu - private groups: $80
  • San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $80
  • American Cooking Class in San Francisco with a Local near Golden Gate Park: $82
  • San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $89
  • Russian Hill Gourmet Food Tour: $97
  • I Can't Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown - Food Tour: $98
  • Mamaz Social Food Arepa Class and Dinner: $100
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $103
  • Hayes Valley Gourmet Food Tour: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $34
    San Francisco $37

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • Belize Jungle Limo - Triple Activity Tour: $50
  • Charlotte Beyond the Grave Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour: $18
  • Charlotte Comedy City PG-13 Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Comedy City Tour: $30
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: $23
  • Charlotte's Historical City Tour: $38
  • 90-Minute Electric Cart City Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Historic Uptown 90-Minute Segway Tour: $60
  • Queen City Ghost Tour: $22
  • Discover Charlotte Historic City: Segway Tour: $234
  • Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $60
  • Private and Custom Tours: $75

Tours and Activities in San Francisco

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

  • 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $55
  • 1-Hour Golden Gate and Lombard GoRide Scooter Tour: $54
  • 1HR San Francisco Chinatown and Downtown GoCar Tour: $71
  • 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $79
  • 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Alcatraz: $150
  • 2-Day Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour from San Francisco: $569
  • 2-Day San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Night Tour: $79
  • 2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco: $499
  • 2-Day Yosemite National Park Winter Tour from San Francisco: $589
  • 2-day Monterey & Yosemite Small Group Tour from San Francisco: $495
  • 2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour: $131
  • 2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio GoRide Scooter Tour: $82

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $16
    San Francisco $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Haunted Charlotte Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $41
  • 3-Hour Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $54

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

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

  • San Francisco Bar Hunt: Soul of San Francisco Bar Crawl: $12
  • San Francisco North Beach Pub Crawl: $60
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $70
  • Half-Day Sonoma Wine Tour: $100
  • Shore Excursion: Napa and Sonoma Ultimate Wine Tasting Experience Full-Day Tour: $135
  • San Francisco City & Wine tour: $140
  • Chariot wine tour: $145
  • From Full-Day Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $149
  • Viticulture with Charm: Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco: $149
  • Small Group Redwoods and Wine Country Trip Including Wine Tasting and Cave Tour: $152
  • Small Group Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $169
  • The Perfect Blend: Napa and Sonoma Combo Wine Tour from San Francisco: $169

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Charlotte or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Charlotte is much warmer than San Francisco in the summer. The temperature in Charlotte is usually 81°F (27°C) in July, and San Francisco stays around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Charlotte is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October are around 63°F (17°C), and San Francisco is about 63°F (17°C).

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and San Francisco. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Charlotte is generally much colder than San Francisco. Temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and San Francisco stays around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Charlotte usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as San Francisco. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Charlotte is a little warmer than San Francisco in the spring. The temperature in Charlotte is usually 63°F (17°C) in April, and San Francisco stays around 58°F (14°C).

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Charlotte

Charlotte San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)


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Charlotte vs. San Francisco Travel Comparison

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