A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlottesville vs. Juneau for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Charlottesville or Juneau?

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 Juneau. 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 southern, proud, and traditional university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Juneau

Juneau is a breathtaking, historic, and scenic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Charlottesville and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Juneau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Juneau than Charlottesville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Juneau is better known for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Charlottesville is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Juneau is more touristy than Charlottesville and is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. Also, Juneau is famous for the Mendenhall Glacier. Charlottesville is well known 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 Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charlottesville
Juneau

Juneau is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Juneau. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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.


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

Charlottesville
Juneau

Juneau is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Juneau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Charlottesville
Juneau

Charlottesville is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Charlottesville or Juneau Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville
Juneau

Charlottesville is a popular place for its old town. However, Juneau does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Charlottesville to see the old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Juneau does not have a historic old town.


Is Charlottesville or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville
Juneau

Juneau is terrific for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for the nearby hiking options.

Juneau is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Juneau?

Charlottesville
Juneau

Juneau is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Juneau is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Juneau Better for Christmas?

Charlottesville
Juneau

Charlottesville is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Juneau does not offer Christmas activities.

Charlottesville is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Juneau does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Charlottesville or Juneau Better for Families?

Charlottesville
Juneau

Juneau is a great city 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, Juneau is very family-friendly. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

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 Juneau Better for Couples?

Charlottesville
Juneau

Juneau is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

Juneau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Charlottesville
Juneau

Juneau is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.


Is Charlottesville or Juneau Better for Students?

Charlottesville
Juneau

Charlottesville is an amazing university town to visit for students. However, Juneau is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Charlottesville. 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.

Juneau is not popular with students.

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

Charlottesville
Juneau

Charlottesville and Juneau both offer respectable 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Charlottesville or Juneau a more walkable city?

Charlottesville
Juneau

Juneau is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

Juneau is a very walkable city. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlottesville and Juneau. In our opinion, Juneau has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Juneau than Charlottesville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Charlottesville or Juneau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlottesville 2-3 
    Juneau 2-3

One day in Charlottesville or Juneau?

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The breathtaking destination of Juneau offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Juneau?

Charlottesville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The city of Juneau offers museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Charlottesville or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlottesville. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Juneau is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Charlottesville or Juneau?

Charlottesville is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Juneau. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Juneau or Charlottesville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlottesville is $154, while the average daily cost in Juneau is $160. 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 Charlottesville and Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlottesville $80
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlottesville $160
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Charlottesville and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in Charlottesville or Juneau? 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 Charlottesville


Hotels in Juneau


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: Charlottesville Hotel Prices and Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlottesville $53
    Juneau $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlottesville

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Juneau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlottesville or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau and Charlottesville 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
    Charlottesville $42
    Juneau $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charlottesville

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

  • The UVA Corner Food Tour: Private Walking Food Tour in Charlottesville: $139
  • The Downtown Mall Food Tour: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlottesville $18
    Juneau $17

Tours and Activities in Charlottesville

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

  • Charlottesville Historic Downtown APP/GPS Smartphone Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Shenandoah National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26
  • Charlottesville Dark History Ghost Tour : $30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

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

  • 3 Hours Fishing Experience Class in Juneau: $225
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
  • Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK: $245
  • Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour: $200
  • From Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour: $850
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $132
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $139
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
  • Juneau Whale Watching Adventure: $189
  • Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlottesville $53
    Juneau $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlottesville

Also in Charlottesville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $85


When comparing the travel costs between Charlottesville and Juneau, we can see that Juneau 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 Charlottesville Expensive? and Is Juneau Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Juneau?

Charlottesville has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville and Juneau, 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 Charlottesville or Juneau?

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 Charlottesville or Juneau in the Summer?

Both Juneau and Charlottesville during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Charlottesville is much warmer than Juneau in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. In the summer, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually gets more rain in July than Juneau. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlottesville 78°F (26°C) 
    Juneau 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Charlottesville or Juneau in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Juneau. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Juneau in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Charlottesville is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlottesville in October average around 59°F (15°C), and Juneau averages at about 42°F (6°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during autumn. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Charlottesville usually receives less rain than Juneau. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlottesville 59°F (15°C) 
    Juneau 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Charlottesville or Juneau in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Juneau. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Juneau for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Juneau can be very cold during winter. Charlottesville can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Charlottesville is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 36°F (2°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 24°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Charlottesville usually gets less rain in January than Juneau. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlottesville 36°F (2°C) 
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Charlottesville or Juneau in the Spring?

Both Juneau and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charlottesville for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Juneau because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. Charlottesville is much warmer than Juneau in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during spring. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Juneau. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlottesville 58°F (14°C) 
    Juneau 40°F (4°C)

Typical Weather for Juneau and Charlottesville

Charlottesville Juneau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm) 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Feb 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm)
Oct 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)