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

Should you visit Charlotte or Seattle?

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 Seattle 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a outdoorsy, laid-back, and bustling 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Charlotte and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle. Although Charlotte and Seattle are popular destinations, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is more touristy than Charlotte and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seattle 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 Seattle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

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 Charlotte or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Charlotte is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Charlotte is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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.

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place 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.

Is Charlotte or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle 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 Seattle for the nightlife scene. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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.

Is Charlotte or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is great for its music scene. However, Charlotte is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Seattle draws a good crowd. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Charlotte is not a live music destination.

Is Charlotte or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is very good for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Seattle to enjoy the beach. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is Charlotte or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is great for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Seattle for the hiking trails. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Seattle?

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Charlotte or Seattle Better for Families?

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

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.

Seattle is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Charlotte or Seattle Better for Couples?

Both Charlotte and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Charlotte or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Seattle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

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.

Is Charlotte or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Seattle is very popular with students. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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.

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

Charlotte and Seattle both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Charlotte or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlotte and Seattle. In our opinion, Seattle has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seattle than Charlotte. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle 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 Seattle.

One day in Charlotte or Seattle?

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.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

A weekend in Charlotte or Seattle?

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.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Seattle?

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 live music when visiting the cultural city of Seattle. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Seattle?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Charlotte during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the summer, Charlotte often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Seattle. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Seattle 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 a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Seattle. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charlotte or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Seattle. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Seattle. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seattle. Charlotte usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Charlotte is much warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Seattle. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Charlotte