A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Charlottesville for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Wilmington or Charlottesville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Charlottesville, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a traditional, young, and collegiate university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Wilmington and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Charlottesville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wilmington. Although Wilmington and Charlottesville are popular destinations, Wilmington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wilmington is very popular for its food, beaches, and shopping, while Charlottesville attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Wilmington is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also well known for the Battleship North Carolina. Charlottesville is famous for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Wilmington different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Charlottesville and Wilmington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Charlottesville?

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Wilmington or Charlottesville.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Charlottesville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Is the Food Better in Wilmington or Charlottesville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wilmington is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Wilmington has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Wilmington or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Wilmington and Charlottesville.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Wilmington or Charlottesville Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a great city for the beache. However, Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Wilmington for it's beautiful beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington and Charlottesville both have nice historical old towns that attract visitors.

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Many people head to Charlottesville to see the old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Is Wilmington or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Charlottesville has hiking trails worth exploring. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Charlottesville?

Wilmington is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Wilmington or Charlottesville Better for Christmas?

Charlottesville is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Wilmington does not offer Christmas activities.

Charlottesville is a very popular destination during Christmas. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Wilmington does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Wilmington or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Wilmington is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wilmington is very family-friendly. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Wilmington or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Wilmington is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Charlottesville is a good city for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Wilmington or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Charlottesville is a great destination for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Is Wilmington or Charlottesville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wilmington and Charlottesville both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Wilmington or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Wilmington is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Charlottesville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wilmington and Charlottesville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wilmington than in Charlottesville. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Charlottesville.

Families should spend more time in Wilmington than Charlottesville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Wilmington, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Wilmington than Charlottesville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Wilmington that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wilmington than Charlottesville if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Wilmington.

One day in Wilmington or Charlottesville?

The welcoming destination of Wilmington offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Charlottesville?

The city of Wilmington offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

Five days in Wilmington or Charlottesville?

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Charlottesville, a popular university town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wilmington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Charlottesville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Charlottesville?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Charlottesville, 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 Wilmington or Charlottesville?

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 Wilmington or Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wilmington is around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives less sunshine than Charlottesville during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. It's quite rainy in Wilmington. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville and Wilmington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Wilmington is generally a little warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets less rain in October than Charlottesville. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Charlottesville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Charlottesville. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

The weather in Charlottesville can be very cold. Wilmington is much warmer than Charlottesville in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Charlottesville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Charlottesville. The spring months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

In the spring, Wilmington is a little warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the spring, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Charlottesville. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Wilmington