A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Charleston for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Charleston?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Charleston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Charleston

Charleston is a historic, classic, and picturesque coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Saint Petersburg and Charleston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Charleston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Charleston than Saint Petersburg. While Saint Petersburg is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is better known for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Petersburg is more popular for its museums and beaches. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Charleston is well known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Charleston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Charleston?

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Charleston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Charleston has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint Petersburg and Charleston.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston Better for Music?

Charleston is very good for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Saint Petersburg and Charleston.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

With a selection of resorts, Charleston makes a nice vacation spot. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its beaches.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

The beaches at Charleston attract visitors from all over. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is terrific for its historic old town. However, Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Charleston has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Charleston?

Charleston is terrific for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Charleston. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston Better for Christmas?

Charleston is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Charleston is a very popular destination during Christmas. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston offers some nice Christmas markets. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Charleston is a family-friendly coastal city. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston Better for Couples?

Charleston is terrific for romance. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Charleston has plenty to offer. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston Better for Students?

Charleston is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Charleston. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Saint Petersburg and Charleston both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Is Saint Petersburg or Charleston a more walkable city?

Charleston is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Charleston is very walkable. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Charleston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charleston or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Charleston?

Both Saint Petersburg and Charleston have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than in Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-7 days is enough time in Charleston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charleston than Saint Petersburg 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 Charleston.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Charleston?

With museums and nightlife around the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the picturesque destination of Charleston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Charleston?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic coastal town of Charleston. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Charleston?

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Charleston is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Charleston?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Charleston is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Charleston?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Charleston, 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 Petersburg or Charleston?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Charleston in the Summer?

Both Charleston and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun.

Charleston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Charleston. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Charleston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Charleston. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Charleston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Charleston during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Charleston. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Charleston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Charleston. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Charleston averages at about 47°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Charleston. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Charleston in the Spring?

Both Charleston and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Charleston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Charleston during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Charleston. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Charleston and Saint Petersburg