A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlottesville vs. Pocono Mountains for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains. 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 young, collegiate, and southern 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a relaxing, scenic, and beautiful region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Charlottesville and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains than Charlottesville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pocono Mountains is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Charlottesville is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Charlottesville and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Also, Pocono Mountains is famous for Bushkill Falls. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for skiing. However, Charlottesville is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Pocono Mountains. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Charlottesville is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Charlottesville and Pocono Mountains.

Charlottesville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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

Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pocono Mountains has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its old town. However, Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

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 Pocono Mountains?

Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pocono Mountains. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains Better for Christmas?

Charlottesville is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Pocono Mountains is a great region 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, Pocono Mountains is very family-friendly. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

Pocono Mountains is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Students?

Charlottesville is a must-visit destination for students. However, Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

Charlottesville is a very popular university town 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.

Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Charlottesville and Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Charlottesville and Pocono Mountains are respectable when it comes to walkability.

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

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains?

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. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The scenic destination of Pocono Mountains offers skiing and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in 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 Pocono Mountains?

Charlottesville is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this university town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The region of Pocono Mountains offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Charlottesville is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This region 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 Pocono Mountains?

Charlottesville is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The magnificent region of Pocono Mountains offers museums and skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 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 Charlottesville and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains?

Charlottesville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Charlottesville during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Charlottesville is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. In the summer, Charlottesville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Pocono Mountains. The autumn months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

In the autumn, Charlottesville is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlottesville in October average around 59°F (15°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Pocono Mountains. The museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pocono Mountains. It's quite cold in Charlottesville in the winter. In January, Charlottesville is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 36°F (2°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pocono Mountains. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

Both Pocono Mountains and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.

Charlottesville is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during spring. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlottesville usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Charlottesville