A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Asheville for Old Town, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Asheville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Asheville, 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a notable, colonial, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Saint Augustine and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Asheville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Asheville are popular destinations, Saint Augustine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Augustine is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, and historical sights, while Asheville attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Asheville and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also well known for the Colonial Quarter. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate.

How is Saint Augustine different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Asheville?

Saint Augustine is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Saint Augustine. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Asheville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Asheville know how to have a good time. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is a great destination for live music. However, Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Asheville has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is well known for the beache. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint Augustine for it's beautiful beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Asheville is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Saint Augustine offers plenty to see. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Asheville?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Asheville and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Asheville is well-known for its shopping. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Saint Augustine does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Saint Augustine does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Saint Augustine does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Saint Augustine does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Asheville are both great destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Asheville is very family-friendly. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Asheville are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Asheville is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is a great destination for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Asheville.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Saint Augustine or Asheville a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Asheville. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Saint Augustine 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 Asheville.

One day in Saint Augustine or Asheville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Saint Augustine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The open-minded destination of Asheville offers nightlife and live music. 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 Saint Augustine or Asheville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The mountain town of Asheville offers live music and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Saint Augustine or Asheville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial city of Saint Augustine. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Asheville?

Saint Augustine is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Asheville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Asheville?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Asheville, 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 Saint Augustine or Asheville?

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 Saint Augustine or Asheville in the Summer?

Both Asheville and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Asheville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Augustine in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Asheville averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Asheville. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Asheville in the Autumn?

Both Asheville and Saint Augustine during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 70°F (21°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the autumn, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in October than Asheville. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Asheville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Asheville. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Asheville in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Asheville fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Asheville during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Asheville. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Asheville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Asheville. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

In the spring, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Asheville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Augustine in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Asheville averages at about 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in April than Asheville. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Typical Weather for Asheville and Saint Augustine