A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Veracruz vs. Charleston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Veracruz 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 Veracruz and Charleston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or Charleston?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Charleston or Veracruz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $122, 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 Veracruz and Charleston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $54
    Charleston $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $108
    Charleston $180
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Charleston

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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 Veracruz


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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Charleston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $28
    Charleston $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Arrival Private Transfer: $14
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Airport Transfer: $25
  • Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $28
  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Folly Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $207
  • Charleston Airport to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island -Roundtrip Private Transfer: $207
  • Charleston Airport: One-Way Transfer to Charleston: $153
  • Charleston Airport to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island– Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Folly Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Folly Beach to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island to Charleston Airport –Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston city – Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • From Boone Hall Plantation Entry with Transfers: $71
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Port to Charleston Airport (CHS): $59
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston Port: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Charleston?

Prices for flights to both Charleston and Veracruz 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
    Veracruz $50
    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.

  • Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $88
  • Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise: $93
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
  • Charleston Food Tour: $99
  • Historic Downtown Food Tour with Tastings: $99
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $108
  • Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chef's Challenge: $109
  • Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $110
  • Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
  • Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour: $110
  • Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $15
    Charleston $22

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker Bus Tour: $7.87
  • Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
  • San Juan de Ulua Fortress Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
  • San Juan de Ulua Fortress of Veracruz Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
  • Sightseeing City Tour and Aquarium: $22
  • From Nature & Seafood Boat Tour to Madinga: $23
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
  • Sightseeing City Tour and Wax & Ripley´s Museums: $25
  • From San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour: $26
  • Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $26
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
  • San Juan De Ulua Tour: $29

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:

  • 2 Hours Private Morris Island and River Cruise: $295
  • 1.5-Hour Charleston Harbor Cruise with Live Narration: $42
  • 2 Hours Shem Creek Safari Kayak Tour: $52
  • 2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston: $54
  • 2-Hours Roaring 20s Premium Cocktail Walking Tour: $110
  • 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour : $37
  • Access Tour to the Cameron House from Outer Banks: $225
  • Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor: $56
  • An Amazing Guided Ghost Tour: $30
  • Behind the Scenes of Shem Creek Shrimp Walking Tour: $25
  • Boone Hall Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $17
    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 Women and Wine Tour: $20
  • Women and Wine Tour: $20
  • Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Guided Pub Crawl and Haunted History Tour: $30
  • Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston : $35
  • Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Historic District Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $40
  • Charleston Brewery District Cruise (Public Tour): $95
  • Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip: $135
  • Half Day Party Bus Brewery Tour of Charleston: $140


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Charleston, we can see that Charleston is more expensive. And not only is Veracruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Veracruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Veracruz 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 Charleston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charleston than you might in Veracruz.

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


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Charleston?

Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Charleston in the Summer?

Both Charleston and Veracruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Charleston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Charleston averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Veracruz. In the summer, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Veracruz gets 208 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 Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Charleston. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F) 
    Charleston 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Charleston in the Autumn?

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

In October, Veracruz is generally a little warmer than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Veracruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during autumn. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Charleston. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    Charleston 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Charleston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Charleston. Additionally, most visitors come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Veracruz is much warmer than Charleston in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and Charleston fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

In the winter, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun.

Veracruz usually gets less rain in January than Charleston. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    Charleston 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Charleston in the Spring?

Both Charleston and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Veracruz is a little warmer than Charleston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Charleston averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Charleston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during spring. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Charleston. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    Charleston 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Charleston and Veracruz

Veracruz Charleston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)