A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Charleston for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Charleston?

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 Fort Lauderdale and Charleston. 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Charleston

Charleston is a charming, southern, and quaint coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Fort Lauderdale and Charleston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Great resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Not as many resort options


How is Fort Lauderdale different from Charleston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Charleston Better for Food?

Fort Lauderdale
Charleston

Charleston has a longer list of notable local restaurants than Fort Lauderdale.

Eat your way through Charleston, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. Local favorites include she crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Charleston Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Charleston

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Charleston has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Charleston has a few options to choose from. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Charleston Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale
Charleston

With generally more resort options, Fort Lauderdale attracts a high number of vacationers.

Vacationers flock to Fort Lauderdale for its luxury resorts. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Charleston offers a few options. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Charleston Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale
Charleston

Fort Lauderdale and Charleston both offer beautiful beaches.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area.

Charleston is considered a top beach destination. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Charleston Better for Shopping?

Fort Lauderdale
Charleston

Charleston is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

Charleston is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Charleston Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Charleston

Both Fort Lauderdale and Charleston are family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities the kids will be entertained. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome.

Charleston offers lots of family activities. The area has a number of family friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Charleston Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Charleston

Fort Lauderdale and Charleston both fun destinations for a couple.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale.

Charleston makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Charleston a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Charleston

Fort Lauderdale and Charleston both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Charleston is a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

Should I spend more time in Charleston or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Charleston?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Charleston have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Fort Lauderdale is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Charleston is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Charleston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Charleston 2-7

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Charleston?

With shopping and nightlife around the bustling coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The historic destination of Charleston offers live music and food. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Charleston?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The quaint coastal town of Charleston offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Fort Lauderdale or Charleston?

Fort Lauderdale, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Charleston is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal town 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 Fort Lauderdale or Charleston?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The southern coastal town of Charleston offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Charleston or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fort Lauderdale and Charleston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $96
    Charleston $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $192
    Charleston $180
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Charleston

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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.

Hotels in Fort Lauderdale


Hotels in Charleston


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Charleston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $51
    Charleston $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Transfer From Fort Lauderdale to Airport/Port: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer: Fort Lauderdale Int. Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale: $28
  • Private Airport Transfer: Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Int. Airport (FLL): $28
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Cruise Port Transfer: $34
  • Private Arrival Transfer: FLL Fort Lauderdale Airport to Fort Lauderdale City: $41
  • Private Departure Transfer from Fort Lauderdale City to Fort Lauderdale Airport: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami City or Miami Beach: $55
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale City to Airport: $57
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport to City: $57
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale - Arrival Private Transfer: $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $124
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charleston Airport (CHS): $52
  • Private transfer: Charleston to Charleston Airport (CHS): $622

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Charleston?

Prices for flights to both Charleston and Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $49
    Charleston $58
Typical Food prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.

  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $60

Typical Food prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:


  • Lunch in downtown Charleston for two
    $21
  • Breakfast
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.

  • Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour: $73
  • Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston Chef's Kitchen Guided Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston Harbor: Luxury Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Charleston: $129
  • Undiscovered 1/2 Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class: $154
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Charleston w/ Private Tour Option: $277

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $15
    Charleston $22

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale: $11
  • Fort Lauderdale Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Adventure Cruise in Fort Lauderdale (Family-Friendly): $23
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruises: $23
  • Fort Lauderdale Daily Sightseeing Cruise - On the Venice of America: $27
  • Everglades Eco Adventure: 2-Hour Sawgrass Recreation Park: $28
  • Jungle Queen Sightseeing Cruise: $33
  • Everglades Airboat Tour & Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Show from Fort Lauderdale: $37
  • Ft Lauderdale Cocktail Cruise: $45
  • Island Time Boat Cruise: $45
  • 1-Hour Bike Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: $47
  • SUP PUP Paddleboard Tour: $47

Typical Entertainment prices in Charleston

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


  • Patriots Point (for 2)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Charleston

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

  • Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Smart Phone Guided Tour: $5.00
  • Charleston Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $16
  • Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour: $21
  • Downtown Charleston Walking Tour with Certified Local Guide: $21
  • Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
  • Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Charleston French Quarter Historic Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Drayton Hall Plantation Admission Ticket in Charleston: $22
  • Small-Group Tour: Charleston Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour: $23
  • Charleston Terrors Walking Ghost Tour: $23
  • Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • 90-Minute Historic Walking Tour of Charleston: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $33
    Charleston $36
Typical Alcohol prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59

Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:

  • Charleston Bar Hunt: Charleston Chase Bar Crawl: $12
  • Ghost Walking Tour and Pub Crawl in Haunted Charleston: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of the Market: $37


When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Charleston, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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.


When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Charleston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Charleston. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Charleston. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Charleston stays around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Charleston. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C) 
    Charleston 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Charleston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Charleston. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Charleston because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Charleston in the autumn. The temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 78°F (26°C) in October, and Charleston stays around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Charleston. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Charleston. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C) 
    Charleston 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Charleston in the Winter?

Both Charleston and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January are around 67°F (20°C), and Charleston is about 47°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Charleston during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Charleston. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C) 
    Charleston 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Charleston in the Spring?

Both Charleston and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Charleston. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Charleston stays around 64°F (18°C).

In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Charleston. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in April than Charleston. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C) 
    Charleston 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Charleston and Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Charleston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)


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Fort Lauderdale vs. Charleston Travel Comparison

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