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

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Should you visit Washington or Charlotte?

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 Washington and Charlotte can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Charlotte?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

Which place is cheaper, Charlotte or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in Charlotte is $191. 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 Washington and Charlotte in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $113
    Charlotte $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $226
    Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in Washington and Charlotte

Looking for a hotel in Washington or Charlotte? 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 Washington


Hotels in Charlotte


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $47
    Charlotte $33
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Luray Caverns Private Round Trip Transfer By Luxury Vehicle: $1,549
  • Washington City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $425
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Cruise Port to IAD or vice versa: $400
  • Washington to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $381
  • Washington to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) - Departure Private Transfer: $381
  • Washington to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer: $358
  • Private Transfer from Washington DC to Dulles or vice versa : $350
  • Private Transfer from Washington DC to BWI Airport or vice versa: $350
  • Private Transfer from Washington DC to DCA Airport or vice versa : $280
  • Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Dulles Airport in Washington: $251
  • Private Transfer To or Form Lorton and Dulles International Airport: $228
  • Private Departure Transfer: Washington DC (any accommodation) to Dulles Airport: $220

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Spartanburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $295
  • Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by SUV: $187
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT by SUV: $168
  • Private Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Luxury SUV: $163
  • Private Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Luxury SUV: $163
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Spartanburg - Arrival Private Transfer: $148
  • Charlotte Douglas Int. Airport One-Way Transfer to /from Charlotte: $148
  • Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by Sedan car: $144
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT Sedan Car: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Charlotte?

Prices for flights to both Charlotte and Washington 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
    Washington $38
    Charlotte $46
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $67
  • Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $74
  • Capitol Hill Food Tour: $75
  • Gastronomic Georgetown Food Tour: $80
  • Dupont Circle Food Tour: $80
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $84
  • Washington DC Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
  • Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Washington,DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
  • Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $113
  • Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $117

Typical Food prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $24
    Charlotte $43

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • 1 Day Self-Guided Tour Washington DC Monument and the Museum : $1,500
  • 1.5 Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour with Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: $40
  • 1.5-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Arlington Cemetery plus Changing of the Guards: $41
  • 2 Day Self-guided Museum and Monument Tours : $100
  • 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill: $45
  • 2 Hours Book Store Tour in Capitol Hill: $68
  • 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
  • 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
  • 2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC: $25
  • 2H Private Guided tour at the African American Civil War Museum and Memorial : $350
  • 3 Hour Group Walking Tour of Arlington National Cemetery: $100
  • 3 Hours Washington D.C Food Experience: $139

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • 2 Hours African American History E-Bike Tour in Charlotte: $79
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $25
  • Carolina Panthers Football Game Ticket at Bank of America Stadium: $17
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket at Spectrum Center: $23
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $19
    Charlotte $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $35
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $42
  • Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
  • DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
  • Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $220
  • Private Loudoun County Wine Tour from DC with Stops at 3 Wineries: $495
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $799

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $42
  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Charlotte, we can see that Washington 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.

Which is Bigger, Washington or Charlotte?

Charlotte is bigger, and its population is about 8% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the population of Washington vs. Charlotte, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Washington or Charlotte?

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 Washington or Charlotte in the Summer?

Both Charlotte and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. In July, Washington usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Washington or Charlotte in the Autumn?

Both Charlotte and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

Washington is cooler than Charlotte in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Charlotte. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Charlotte. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Washington or Charlotte in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Charlotte. Many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Charlotte. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Charlotte averages at about 42°F (6°C).

Washington usually receives less sunshine than Charlotte during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Washington or Charlotte in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Charlotte. Many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Washington is generally cooler than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Charlotte. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets less rain in April than Charlotte. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Washington

Washington Charlotte
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Washington vs. Charlotte Travel Comparison

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