A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Charleston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Saint Simons or Charleston?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Charleston? 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: Saint Simons or Charleston?

Saint Simons

Located just off the coast of southern Georgia, Saint Simons Island is the largest of the state’s renowned "Golden Isle's." Visitors are drawn to the Island for its warm climate, beaches, variety of outdoor activities, shops and restaurants, historical sites, and its natural environment. With most of the natural marsh and woodlands to the north and the commercial attractions centralized in the south, Saint Simons has a little taste of everything for all who come to see it.

Charleston

Charleston is a beautiful, southern city and seaport town in South Carolina. It has a wonderful, historic downtown area that the city government works hard to maintain. Located on a peninsula that is created by two rivers, the city is a stunning setting with much character. It is a popular place to visit for its culture, architecture and cuisine. In recent years Charleston has gained popularity and it continues to grow as both a regional and international travel destination. With its rising popularity comes increasing costs. Travel costs continue to go up as restaurants and hotels raise their prices, particularly during the peak travel season and holiday periods.

Which place is cheaper, Charleston or Saint Simons?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Simons is $176, while the average daily cost in Charleston is $170. 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 Simons and Charleston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Simons $100
    Charleston $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Simons $200
    Charleston $180
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Charleston

Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons or Charleston? 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 Simons


Hotels in Charleston


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 Simons Hotel Prices and Charleston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Simons $49
    Charleston $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $124
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charleston Airport (CHS): $52
  • Private transfer: Charleston to Charleston Airport (CHS): $622

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Simons or Charleston?

Prices for flights to both Charleston and Saint Simons 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 Simons $48
    Charleston $58

Typical Food prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:


  • Lunch in downtown Charleston for two
    $21
  • Breakfast
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston

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

  • Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour: $73
  • Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston Chef's Kitchen Guided Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Charleston Harbor: Luxury Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Charleston: $129
  • Undiscovered 1/2 Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class: $154
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Charleston w/ Private Tour Option: $277

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Simons $16
    Charleston $22

Typical Entertainment prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:


  • Patriots Point (for 2)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Charleston

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

  • Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Smart Phone Guided Tour: $5.00
  • Charleston Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $16
  • Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour: $21
  • Downtown Charleston Walking Tour with Certified Local Guide: $21
  • Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
  • Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Charleston French Quarter Historic Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Drayton Hall Plantation Admission Ticket in Charleston: $22
  • Small-Group Tour: Charleston Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour: $23
  • Charleston Terrors Walking Ghost Tour: $23
  • Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • 90-Minute Historic Walking Tour of Charleston: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Simons $60
    Charleston $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston

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

  • Charleston Bar Hunt: Charleston Chase Bar Crawl: $12
  • Ghost Walking Tour and Pub Crawl in Haunted Charleston: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of the Market: $37

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Simons and Charleston, we can see that Saint Simons is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Saint Simons or Charleston?

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 Simons or Charleston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Charleston. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Simons is generally around the same temperature as Charleston. Temperatures in Saint Simons average around 82°F (28°C), and Charleston stays around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during summer. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Charleston. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C) 
    Charleston 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Charleston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Charleston. Additionally, most visitors come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Charleston in the autumn. The temperature in Saint Simons is usually 70°F (21°C) in October, and Charleston stays around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Charleston. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Charleston. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C) 
    Charleston 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Charleston in the Winter?

Both Charleston and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Charleston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Simons is a little warmer than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January are around 53°F (12°C), and Charleston is about 47°F (9°C).

Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during winter. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C) 
    Charleston 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Charleston in the Spring?

Both Charleston and Saint Simons during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

In April, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Charleston. Temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Charleston stays around 64°F (18°C).

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

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Charleston. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C) 
    Charleston 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Charleston and Saint Simons

Saint Simons Charleston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Jacksonville vs. Saint Simons
Jacksonville vs. Charleston
Miami vs. Saint Simons
Miami vs. Charleston
Orlando vs. Saint Simons
Orlando vs. Charleston
Tampa vs. Saint Simons
Tampa vs. Charleston
Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Saint Simons
Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Charleston
Jekyll Island vs. Saint Simons
Jekyll Island vs. Charleston
Saint Simons vs. Savannah
Saint Simons vs. Duck
Saint Simons vs. Nags Head
Saint Simons vs. Wilmington
Saint Simons vs. Beaufort
Saint Simons vs. Hilton Head Island
Saint Simons vs. Myrtle Beach
Saint Simons vs. Virginia Beach
Savannah vs. Charleston
Duck vs. Charleston
Nags Head vs. Charleston
Wilmington vs. Charleston
Beaufort vs. Charleston
Charleston vs. Hilton Head Island
Charleston vs. Myrtle Beach
Charleston vs. Virginia Beach
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Saint Simons vs. Charleston Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.