A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Beaufort for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Beaufort?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Beaufort, 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 historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a character-filled, southern, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Saint Augustine and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Beaufort?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Beaufort are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Beaufort is known for its small town charm and quaint atmosphere. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Beaufort and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Saint Augustine different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaufort 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 Beaufort?

Saint Augustine
Beaufort

Saint Augustine is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.


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

Saint Augustine
Beaufort

Both Saint Augustine and Beaufort offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Beaufort has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Is Saint Augustine or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Beaufort

Saint Augustine is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Saint Augustine or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Beaufort

Saint Augustine is notable for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Beaufort. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.


Is Saint Augustine or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Beaufort

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Beaufort is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Beaufort?

Saint Augustine
Beaufort

Saint Augustine is notable for shopping. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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 ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Saint Augustine or Beaufort Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Beaufort

Saint Augustine is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.


Is Saint Augustine or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Beaufort

Saint Augustine and Beaufort are both superb 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.

Beaufort is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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

Saint Augustine
Beaufort

Saint Augustine is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Saint Augustine or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Beaufort

Saint Augustine and Beaufort both are superb when exploring on foot.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. 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.

Beaufort is a very walkable city. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.


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

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Beaufort. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Beaufort? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Beaufort 1-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Beaufort?

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Beaufort is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Beaufort?

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Saint Augustine or Beaufort?

Saint Augustine is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaufort is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This 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 Beaufort?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Since Beaufort is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Beaufort or Saint Augustine?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $159, while the average daily cost in Beaufort is $131. 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 Saint Augustine and Beaufort in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Beaufort $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Beaufort $200
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Beaufort

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Beaufort? 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 Saint Augustine


Hotels in Beaufort


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Beaufort Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Beaufort -

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Beaufort?

Prices for flights to both Beaufort and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49
    Beaufort $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Beaufort -

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

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

  • St Augustine Haunted History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Child Friendly Pirate Walking Tour: $10
  • Historic Museum Tour Ticket: $16
  • Haunting Hour Walking Ghost Tour: $18
  • Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine: $18
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Walking History Tour of St. Augustine's Historic District: $25
  • Walking Tour in North City Cemeteries of St. Augustine: $25
  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour: A Ghostly Encounter: $25
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Ghost Tour of St. Augustine: The Original Haunted History Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

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

  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $29
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Beaufort -

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Augustine and Beaufort, we can see that Saint Augustine is more expensive. And not only is Beaufort much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beaufort would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beaufort 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 Beaufort.

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 Beaufort Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Beaufort?

Beaufort has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Beaufort, 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 Beaufort?

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 Beaufort in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Beaufort. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Beaufort fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

Beaufort receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Beaufort. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Beaufort in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Beaufort. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Beaufort. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Beaufort averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 223 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Beaufort. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Beaufort in the Winter?

Both Beaufort and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Beaufort in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

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

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Beaufort. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Beaufort in the Spring?

Both Beaufort and Saint Augustine during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Beaufort. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Beaufort
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)