A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlottesville vs. Cape Cod for Food, Families, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Charlottesville or Cape Cod?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Charlottesville and Cape Cod. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a collegiate, southern, and proud university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing beach destination. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Cape Cod is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches. See Cape Cod travel costs.

Charlottesville and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Cape Cod?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Charlottesville and Cape Cod are both popular with visitors, Cape Cod has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cape Cod is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Charlottesville is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Cape Cod is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also home to The Cape Cod National Seashore. Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Charlottesville different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Cod and Charlottesville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlottesville or Cape Cod?

Charlottesville is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Charlottesville or Cape Cod? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Cod has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Charlottesville is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlottesville has a few options to choose from. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cape Cod makes a nice vacation spot. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for the beach. However, Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cape Cod for it's beautiful beaches. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville has an old town worth visiting. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Charlottesville and Cape Cod, and they are good.

Charlottesville offers some nice hiking trails. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Cape Cod?

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cape Cod is well-known for its shopping. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod More Beautiful?

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Cape Cod is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cape Cod is very family-friendly. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

Cape Cod is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Charlottesville is a good university town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod Better for Students?

Charlottesville is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Cod is not popular with students.

Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Cape Cod is not popular with students.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlottesville and Cape Cod both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Charlottesville or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Cape Cod is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting? and Is Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Cape Cod?

Both Charlottesville and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Charlottesville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlottesville, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charlottesville than Cape Cod 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 Charlottesville.

One day in Charlottesville or Cape Cod?

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful small town of Cape Cod offers food and shopping. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Charlottesville or Cape Cod?

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

The quaint beach destination of Cape Cod offers shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Charlottesville or Cape Cod?

Charlottesville 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.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach destination offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Charlottesville or Cape Cod?

Charlottesville 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 university town offers something for everyone.

The peaceful beach destination of Cape Cod offers shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlottesville and Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod is more expensive. And not only is Charlottesville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charlottesville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlottesville 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 Cape Cod would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Cod than you might in Charlottesville.

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

When is the best time to visit Charlottesville or Cape Cod?

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 Charlottesville or Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In the summer, Charlottesville is a little warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlottesville in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during summer. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Charlottesville. In July, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod and Charlottesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Charlottesville is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 59°F (15°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. In the autumn, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Charlottesville usually gets less rain in October than Cape Cod. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Cape Cod. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Cod can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is much warmer than Cape Cod in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 36°F (2°C) in January, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during winter. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Charlottesville usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Cape Cod in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Cape Cod. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Charlottesville is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlottesville in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In the spring, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Charlottesville usually gets less rain in April than Cape Cod. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Charlottesville