A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. Charleston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Gainesville or Charleston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville 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: Gainesville or Charleston?

Gainesville

Home to the University of Florida as well as Santa Fe College, the town of Gainesville has all of the shopping, entertainment, and restaurants that you could want in a college town - plus easy access to a number of outdoor adventures from canoeing, diving, and kayaking to birding, fishing, hiking, and biking. Some of the top features include the Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Charleston or Gainesville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $172, while the average daily cost in Charleston is $136. 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 Gainesville and Charleston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $95
    Charleston $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $190
    Charleston $144
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Charleston

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville 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 Gainesville


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: Gainesville Hotel Prices and Charleston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $32
    Charleston $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gainesville

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gainesville:

  • Private Transfer from Gainesville to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453
  • Private Transfer from Gainesville to Port Canaveral: $658
  • Private Transfer from Gainesville to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $676

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Charleston?

Prices for flights to both Charleston and Gainesville 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
    Gainesville $56
    Charleston $46
Typical Food prices in Gainesville

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


  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $17
  • Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)
    $24

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.
    Gainesville $16
    Charleston $17
Typical Entertainment prices in Gainesville

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


  • Manatee Tour for Two
    $98
  • Tour Guide Tip
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Gainesville

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

  • Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History Ticket: $14

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
    Gainesville $39
    Charleston $28

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

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gainesville and Charleston, we can see that Gainesville 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 Gainesville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gainesville than you might in Charleston.


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

Both Charleston and Gainesville 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.

In July, Gainesville is generally around the same temperature as Charleston. Temperatures in Gainesville average around 81°F (27°C), and Charleston stays around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. It's quite rainy in Gainesville. In July, Gainesville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Charleston 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Charleston in the Autumn?

Both Charleston and Gainesville 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.

Gainesville is a little warmer than Charleston in the autumn. The temperature in Gainesville is usually 71°F (22°C) in October, and Charleston stays around 67°F (19°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Charleston. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Charleston 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Charleston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Charleston. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Gainesville is a little warmer than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gainesville in January are around 54°F (12°C), and Charleston is about 47°F (9°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Charleston. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Charleston 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Charleston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Charleston. Also, most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Gainesville is generally a little warmer than Charleston. Temperatures in Gainesville average around 69°F (20°C), and Charleston stays around 64°F (18°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Charleston. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Charleston 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Charleston and Gainesville

Gainesville Charleston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)


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Gainesville vs. Charleston Travel Comparison

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