A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Raleigh for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Raleigh?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Raleigh, 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 colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a southern, student-friendly, and suburban-style city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Saint Augustine and Raleigh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Raleigh?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Raleigh, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Raleigh is more popular for its big city activities. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Raleigh and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Raleigh is well known for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is Saint Augustine different from Raleigh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Augustine is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Raleigh is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

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

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

Dining out in Saint Augustine is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Raleigh. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

Is Saint Augustine or Raleigh Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Raleigh has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is Saint Augustine or Raleigh Better for Beaches?

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

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Raleigh Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Raleigh does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Raleigh does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Raleigh?

Saint Augustine is well known for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Augustine. 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.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Raleigh Better for Families?

Saint Augustine is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Augustine is known to be 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.

Raleigh offers lots of family activities. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Is Saint Augustine or Raleigh Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine is well known for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Saint Augustine or Raleigh Better for Students?

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

Raleigh is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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

Saint Augustine is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known 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 Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Saint Augustine or Raleigh a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. 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.

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Raleigh or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Raleigh?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Raleigh. 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 Raleigh. 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 Raleigh 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.

One day in Saint Augustine or Raleigh?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The student-friendly destination of Raleigh offers food and museums. 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 Raleigh?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Raleigh offers museums and nightlife. 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 Raleigh?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Raleigh is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Raleigh?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food and museums when visiting Raleigh. 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 Raleigh, we can see that Raleigh is more expensive. And not only is Saint Augustine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Augustine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Augustine 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 Raleigh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Raleigh than you might in Saint Augustine.

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 Raleigh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Raleigh?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Raleigh, 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 Raleigh?

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 Raleigh in the Summer?

Both Raleigh and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Raleigh fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Raleigh. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Raleigh during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Raleigh. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Raleigh in the Autumn?

Both Raleigh and Saint Augustine during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city's sights and attractions.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Raleigh in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Raleigh fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Raleigh, 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 Raleigh. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 211 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Raleigh in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Raleigh. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year.

It's quite cold in Raleigh in the winter. In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Raleigh. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Raleigh averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Raleigh during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Raleigh. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Raleigh in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Raleigh. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Raleigh for the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Raleigh fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Raleigh. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 251 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in April than Raleigh. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Raleigh and Saint Augustine