Which place is cheaper, Charleston or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Charleston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Charleston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Charleston?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
Charleston
Charleston is a beautiful, southern city and seaport town in South Carolina. It has a wonderful, historic downtown area that the city government works hard to maintain. Located on a peninsula that is created by two rivers, the city is a stunning setting with much character. It is a popular place to visit for its culture, architecture and cuisine. In recent years Charleston has gained popularity and it continues to grow as both a regional and international travel destination. With its rising popularity comes increasing costs. Travel costs continue to go up as restaurants and hotels raise their prices, particularly during the peak travel season and holiday periods.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Charleston $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Charleston is $170. 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 Dayton and Charleston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Charleston $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Charleston $180
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Charleston
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Charleston? 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.
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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Charleston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Charleston $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:
- Private Transfer from Charleston Cruise Port to Charleston city: $54
- Private Transfer from Charleston City to Charleston Cruise Port: $54
- From Boone Hall Plantation Entry with Transfers: $71
- Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
- Charleston Airport (CHS) to Folly Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $103
- Charleston Airport to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island– Arrival Private Transfer: $103
- Folly Beach to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $103
- Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island to Charleston Airport –Departure Private Transfer: $103
- Charleston Airport (CHS) to Kiawah/Seabrook Islands – Arrival Private Transfer: $117
- Charleston Airport: One-Way Transfer to Charleston: $153
- Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $173
- Charleston Airport (CHS) to Folly Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $206
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Charleston?
Prices for flights to both Charleston and Dayton 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
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Food Meals for one dayDayton $61Charleston $58
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Typical Food Prices in Charleston
Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:
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Lunch in downtown Charleston for two$21
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Breakfast$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.
- Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise: $63
- Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $88
- Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise: $93
- Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
- Charleston Food Tour: $99
- Historic Downtown Food Tour with Tastings: $99
- 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $107
- Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chef's Challenge: $109
- Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $110
- Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
- Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour: $110
- Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Charleston $22
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Charleston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:
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Patriots Point (for 2)$60
Tours and Activities in Charleston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Charleston are as follows:
- The French Quarter: GPS Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $5.99
- Self-Guided Ghost Tour: $6.99
- Self-Guided "The French Quarter Charleston" Solo Walking Tour: $7.50
- Cinematic, Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in Charleston: $10
- 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Self-Guided Audio History Walking Tour: $12
- Self-Guided Highlights Walking Audio Tour: $12
- Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
- Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting: $17
- Trolley Tour in Wadmalaw Island of South Carolina: $17
- Evening History Tour: $20
- Charleston's Miracle Mile: Church and Cemetery Walking Tour: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Charleston $36
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:
- Women and Wine Tour: $18
- Charleston Women and Wine Tour: $20
- Guided Pub Crawl and Haunted History Tour: $30
- Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston : $35
- Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Historic District Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $40
- Charleston Brewery District Cruise (Public Tour): $95
- Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip: $135
- Half Day Party Bus Brewery Tour of Charleston: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Charleston, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Charleston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charleston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charleston 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Charleston.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Charleston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Charleston?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Charleston, 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 Dayton or Charleston?
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 Dayton or Charleston in the Summer?
Both Charleston and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.
Dayton is around the same temperature as Charleston in the summer. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Charleston fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Charleston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during summer. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. In July, Dayton usually receives less rain than Charleston. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Charleston 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Charleston in the Autumn?
Both Charleston and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Dayton is cooler than Charleston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dayton in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Charleston averages at about 67°F (19°C).
In the autumn, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Charleston. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Charleston 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Charleston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Charleston. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dayton. In January, Dayton is generally much colder than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 30°F (-1°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).
Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during winter. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Charleston. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Charleston 47°F (9°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Charleston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Charleston. Also, most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Dayton is cooler than Charleston in the spring. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 55°F (13°C) in April, and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In the spring, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets more rain in April than Charleston. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Charleston 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Charleston and Dayton
| Dayton | Charleston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (176 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.