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

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Should you visit Orlando or Charlotte?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Charlotte? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Orlando or Charlotte?

Orlando

Orlando is a haven for tourists from the entire United States and abroad. The most famous sight in Orlando, Walt Disney World, is not actually located in the city at all, but in nearby Lake Buena Vista. The area attracts over 50 million visitors a year and the city's sprawling development has created amenities and entertainment options for tourists of all ages.

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

Which place is cheaper, Charlotte or Orlando?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $321, while the average daily cost in Charlotte is $191. 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 Orlando and Charlotte in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $154
    Charlotte $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $308
    Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Charlotte

Looking for a hotel in Orlando or Charlotte? 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 Orlando


Hotels in Charlotte


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: Orlando Hotel Prices and Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $66
    Charlotte $33
Typical Local Transportation prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

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

  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Beach: $1,286
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami City : $1,286
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Airport: $1,286
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Cruise Port: $1,286
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Sarasota: $842
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Miami Beach: $834
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Miami Airport: $803
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Miami Cruise Port: $803
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Miami City: $803
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Saint Simons Island: $766
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Fort Lauderdale: $748
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Sarasota: $720

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Spartanburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $295
  • Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by SUV: $187
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT by SUV: $168
  • Private Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Luxury SUV: $163
  • Private Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Luxury SUV: $163
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Spartanburg - Arrival Private Transfer: $148
  • Charlotte Douglas Int. Airport One-Way Transfer to /from Charlotte: $148
  • Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by Sedan car: $144
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT Sedan Car: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Charlotte?

Prices for flights to both Charlotte and Orlando 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
    Orlando $65
    Charlotte $46
Typical Food prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

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

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $36
  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, Orlando: $36
  • Dinner Show with Comedy, Magic, Music and Stunts: $49
  • Tastes of the World Food Tour in Winter Haven : $50
  • Pirates Adventure Dinner Show with Drinks: $51
  • Food Tour of Celebration: $59
  • Singing your Dreams - Dinner Show in Orlando: $59
  • Señor Frogs Dinner Package: $70
  • Mango's LIVE! - Dinner & Show: $72
  • Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show: $75
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Orlando: $75
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78

Typical Food prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orlando $204
    Charlotte $43
Typical Entertainment prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

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

  • 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando: $77
  • "Let's Have a Spooky Time in Orlando" Tour: $170
  • 1 Hour Scenic Pontoon Day Cruise: $48
  • 16 mile helicopter tour-Disney Springs, Epcot, Hollywood Studios: $86
  • 2 Hour Investigative Walking Ghost Tour of Downtown Orlando: $50
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Rainbow Springs (Small-Group): $69
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Rock Springs (Small-Group): $99
  • 2-hr. Kissimmee Lakefront Tour on a DELUXE Fully Electric Trike: $28
  • 25 Minutes Adventure Rooms in Max Action Arena ICON Park: $12
  • 30 Days Self Guided Audio Tour: Discover Orlando Local Stories: $30
  • 31-Mile Dream Helicopter Tour: $167
  • 48-Mile Fantasy Helicopter Tour in Orlando: $256

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • 2 Hours African American History E-Bike Tour in Charlotte: $79
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $25
  • Carolina Panthers Football Game Ticket at Bank of America Stadium: $17
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket at Spectrum Center: $23
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $30
    Charlotte $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
  • Orlando's Boos And Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Sanford’s Haunted Brewery Tour: $43
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85
  • Happy Hour Downtown Pub Crawl: $170
  • Chef's Table and Wine Tasting Tour: $300

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $42
  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Charlotte, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Charlotte much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charlotte would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlotte 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Charlotte.

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Charlotte?

Charlotte is bigger, and its population is about 2.9 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the population of Orlando vs. Charlotte, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Orlando or Charlotte?

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 Orlando or Charlotte in the Summer?

Both Charlotte and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orlando 82°F (28°C) 
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Charlotte in the Autumn?

Both Charlotte and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orlando for the shopping scene.

Orlando is a little warmer than Charlotte in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Charlotte. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orlando 75°F (24°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Charlotte in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Charlotte. Many visitors come to Orlando in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Charlotte. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Charlotte averages at about 42°F (6°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orlando 59°F (15°C) 
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Charlotte in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Charlotte.

In April, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in April than Charlotte. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orlando 72°F (22°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Orlando

Orlando Charlotte
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 62°F (16°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Apr 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 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.
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Orlando vs. Charlotte Travel Comparison

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