Should you visit Savannah or Charleston?
Should I visit Savannah or Charleston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Savannah
Savanah is a reasonably priced city by U.S. standards. With a wide range of accommodation and food options, it's possible to experience this historical city on a cheaper budget, or, if you like, to live it up in luxury without spending an inordinate amount of money.
The oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah sits right on the Savannah River, a historic commercial port dating back to the Thirteen Colonies. The old port of the city still lies along this river, paved in traditional cobblestone roads and radiating with old southern charm. Savannah is also known for its many small parks, tunnels of oak trees and magnolias draped in southern moss, romantic horse-drawn carriages, as well as some of the most ornate antebellum architecture to be found in the south.
Whether you are interested in the past of a historically prosperous seaport or wish to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere that it still holds, Savannah is a quaint destination full of beauty with an arsenal of historic appeal to match.
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 city is cheaper, Charleston or Savannah?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $122, while the average daily cost in Charleston is $136. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Savannah and Charleston in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $67. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Savannah the cost is $134 on average.
A hotel room in Charleston is about $144 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
Food
On average, meal and food prices in Savannah cost around $40 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $16.
On average, meal and food prices in Charleston cost around $46 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $18.
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Food
Meals for one day
Savannah $40
Charleston $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Savannah.
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2-Hour Southern Food Tour:
$47
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Savannah Southern Fried Expectations Walking Food Tour:
$47
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3-Hour First Squares Food Tour:
$57
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Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour:
$57
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Savannah's Historic & Secret East Side Walking Food Tour:
$61
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Savannah Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour:
$61
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Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise:
$72
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Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment:
$77
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Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise:
$79
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Savannah Walktails & Bar Bites Guided Food Tour:
$80
Typical Food prices in Charleston
Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.
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Charleston Harbor: Luxury Dinner Cruise & Live Music:
$66
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Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour:
$73
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Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour:
$75
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Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour:
$75
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Charleston Chef's Kitchen Guided Walking Food Tour:
$75
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Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Charleston:
$129
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Undiscovered 1/2 Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class:
$154
-
3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Charleston w/ Private Tour Option:
$277
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Savannah is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $22 per person, per day, on local transportation in Savannah.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $26 per day to get around in Charleston.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:
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Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer:
$62
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Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Arrival Private Transfer:
$62
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Private Arrival Transfer from Savannah Airport SAV:
$73
-
Private Departure Transfer to Savannah Airport SAV:
$73
-
SAV Airport Transfer To & From South Carolina:
$120
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Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$124
-
Private Arrival Transfer: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to Hotel:
$157
-
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Savannah Airport:
$157
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:
-
Private Departure Transfer to Charleston Airport (CHS):
$52
-
Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer:
$124
-
Private transfer: Charleston to Charleston Airport (CHS):
$622
Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Charleston?
Prices for flights to both Charleston and Savannah 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.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Savannah typically cost an average of $13 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $17 per person, per day in Charleston. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Typical Entertainment prices in Savannah
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:
Tours and Activities in Savannah
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:
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Savannah's Famous Ghost Tour - On-Location Technology (GPS) Guided Experience:
$3.95
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Savannah Virtual Tour - See Savannah Virtually & Safely On Your Phone:
$5.95
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Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Self-Guided Tour:
$9.00
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Skip the Line: General Admission Webb Military Museum Ticket:
$10
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Savannah Scavenger Hunt: Historic Savannah Adventure:
$12
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American Prohibition Museum Ticket:
$16
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Skip-The-Line: The American Prohibition Museum Admission Ticket:
$16
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Savannah's Haunted Historic Pub and Tavern Tour:
$18
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Savannah Hidden History Walking Tour:
$18
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Spirits with Spirits Happy Hour Tour in Savannah:
$19
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Savannah Civil War Guided Walking History Tour:
$20
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Savannah Night-Time Ghost Walking Tour:
$20
Typical Entertainment prices in Charleston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:
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Patriots Point (for 2)
$60
Tours and Activities in Charleston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Charleston are as follows:
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Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Smart Phone Guided Tour:
$5.00
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Charleston Scavenger Hunt Adventure:
$16
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Charleston's French Quarter Guided Walking Tour:
$20
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Shem Creek Culture Tour:
$20
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Downtown Charleston Walking Tour with Certified Local Guide:
$21
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Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour:
$21
-
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour:
$21
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Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour:
$22
-
Charleston Historical Walking Tour:
$22
-
Charleston French Quarter Historic Guided Walking Tour:
$22
-
Drayton Hall Plantation Admission Ticket in Charleston:
$22
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Small-Group Tour: Charleston Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour:
$23
Alcohol
The average person spends about $28 on alcoholic beverages in Savannah per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
The average person spends about $28 on alcoholic beverages in Charleston per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:
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Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam:
$12
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90 Minute Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl:
$15
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Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl:
$20
-
Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour:
$24
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Haunted Pub Tour:
$28
-
Haunted Savannah Ghost & Pub Walking Tour:
$28
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Bad Kitty Haunted Pub Crawl - The Best Savannah Ghost and Spirits Experience:
$29
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Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl and Walking Ghost Tour:
$30
-
Creepy Crawl Night-Time Haunted Pub Walking Tour of Savannah's Historic District:
$30
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Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl:
$30
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Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl:
$30
-
Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl with Sing-a-Longs:
$34
Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:
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Charleston Bar Hunt: Charleston Chase Bar Crawl:
$12
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Ghost Walking Tour and Pub Crawl in Haunted Charleston:
$27
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Haunted Pub Crawl of the Market:
$37
When comparing the travel costs between Savannah and Charleston, we can see that Charleston 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.
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