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

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Should you visit Savannah or Charleston?

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

Should I visit Savannah 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: Savannah or Charleston?

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 $128, 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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Savannah and Charleston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savannah $67
    Charleston $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savannah $134
    Charleston $144
Compare Hotels in Savannah and Charleston

Looking for a hotel in Savannah 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 Savannah


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: Savannah Hotel Prices and Charleston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $22
    Charleston $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Savannah Airport SAV: $73
  • Private Departure Transfer to Savannah Airport SAV: $73
  • SAV Airport Transfer To & From South Carolina: $120
  • 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Savannah $46
    Charleston $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

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

  • Savannah Southern Fried Expectations Walking Food Tour: $47
  • Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour: $57
  • 3-Hour First Squares Food Tour: $57
  • Savannah's Historic & Secret East Side Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Savannah Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $73
  • Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise: $79
  • Savannah Walktails & Bar Bites Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Savannah Riverboat: Dinner Cruise with Entertainment: $87

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.
    Savannah $13
    Charleston $17
Typical Entertainment prices in Savannah

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


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

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

  • Savannah's Famous Ghost Tour - On-Location Technology (GPS) Guided Experience: $3.95
  • Savannah Virtual Tour - See Savannah Virtually & Safely On Your Phone: $5.95
  • Skip the Line: General Admission Webb Military Museum Ticket: $10
  • Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Savannah Scavenger Hunt: Historic Savannah Adventure: $12
  • Skip-The-Line: The American Prohibition Museum Admission Ticket: $16
  • Savannah's Haunted Historic Pub and Tavern Tour: $18
  • Savannah Hidden History Walking Tour: $18
  • Spirits with Spirits Happy Hour Tour in Savannah: $19
  • Guided Sightseeing & History Walking Tour of Savannah: $20
  • Savannah Civil War Guided Walking History Tour: $20
  • 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:


  • 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
    Savannah $28
    Charleston $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • 90 Minute Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $15
  • Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl: $20
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $24
  • Haunted Savannah Ghost & Pub Walking Tour: $28
  • Bad Kitty Haunted Pub Crawl - The Best Savannah Ghost and Spirits Experience: $29
  • Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl and Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Creepy Crawl Night-Time Haunted Pub Walking Tour of Savannah's Historic District: $30
  • Damsels & Divas Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl with Sing-a-Longs: $38
  • Savannah Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl: $39

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 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.


When is the best time to visit Savannah 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 Savannah or Charleston in the Summer?

Both Charleston and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Charleston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during summer. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. It's quite rainy in Savannah. In July, Savannah usually receives more rain than Charleston. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Savannah or Charleston in the Autumn?

Both Charleston and Savannah during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Savannah is around the same temperature as Charleston in the autumn. The temperature in Savannah is usually 68°F (20°C) in October, and Charleston stays around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Savannah. In the autumn, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Charleston. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Charleston. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savannah 68°F (20°C) 
    Charleston 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Charleston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Charleston. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Charleston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Savannah is around the same temperature as Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January are around 49°F (9°C), and Charleston is about 47°F (9°C).

Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during winter. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Savannah usually receives less rain than Charleston. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savannah 49°F (9°C) 
    Charleston 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Charleston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Charleston. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

In April, Savannah is generally around the same temperature as Charleston. Temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Charleston stays around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In the spring, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Charleston. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savannah 66°F (19°C) 
    Charleston 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Charleston and Savannah

Savannah Charleston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 49°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 59°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Apr 66°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)


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Savannah vs. Charleston Travel Comparison

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