Charleston is a historic coastal town known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Charleston and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, relaxing on the beaches, or taking in the beauty.
How much does it cost to travel to Charleston?
You should plan to spend around $212 per day on your vacation in Charleston. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $100 on meals
- $33 on local transportation
- $180 on hotels
A one week trip to Charleston for two people costs, on average, $2,968. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,484
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,968
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One Month
Per person
$6,360
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,968
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,936
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One Month
For a couple
$12,720
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Charleston cost?
A one week trip to Charleston usually costs around $1,484 for one person and $2,968 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Charleston on average costs around $2,968 for one person and $5,936 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Charleston will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Charleston on average costs around $6,360 for one person and $12,720 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Charleston expensive to visit?
Charleston is a well-liked coastal town that lures countless visitors with differing travel preferences and spending habits. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Charleston can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and exploring on foot.
On average, budget travelers spend $87 per day, mid-range travelers spend $212 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $492 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Charleston.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Charleston is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Boone or Columbia River Gorge.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Charleston Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Charleston?
The average Charleston trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Charleston travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Charleston cost?
Charleston on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$36
|
$90
|
$223
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$13
|
$33
|
$77
|
|
Food2
|
$42
|
$100
|
$218
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$8.90
|
$22
|
$49
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$8-23
|
$18-53
|
$36-107
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Charleston, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $87 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Thankfully, Charleston is home to plenty of hostels, including Charlestons NotSo Hostel. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited. Dining is a highlight for all types of visitors in Charleston, but budget travelers typically settle for street food or hostel meals, meaning they may not fully enjoy the delightful local cuisine.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Visitors to Charleston typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $212 per person, per day.
In Charleston, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. French Quarter Inn is a great choice for families, and Market Pavilion Hotel is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Charleston.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $492 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the coastal town with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Magnolia Plantation Tour with Luxury Transportation and Admission - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Charleston
Charleston has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $180 in the off-season and averages $336 during peak summer season. Overall, you can expect prices from $112 to $634. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Charleston for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $180. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $90 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Charleston? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Charleston include:
- 22 Charlotte Bed & Breakfast starting at $236
- Andrew Pinckney Inn starting at $227
- Hotel Bella Grace starting at $277
- Francis Marion Hotel starting at $189
- Historic 86 Church Street starting at $300
With many visitors staying up to a week in Charleston, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option for longer stays, allowing you to cook meals.
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding summer), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Walking is a favorite way for many to see Charleston, so look for lodging in a prime location. Keep in mind, though, that this can raise your expenses.
The coastal town's alluring old town pulls in numerous visitors. Although hotels in this area can be more expensive, they typically offer plenty of charm and convenient access to nearby attractions.
Transportation Budget in Charleston
Unfortunately, Charleston does not have a reliable public transit network. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.
For those who enjoy foot exploration, this destination is perfect. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $33 per person, per day, on local transportation in Charleston. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Charleston is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$33
You can easily make your way around downtown Charleston on foot. This is the best way to explore the area as the streets are compact and you'll get to truly experience the city's atmosphere. If your hotel is downtown and you have no plans to venture into the surrounding area then a car isn't absolutely necessary. However, you'll find cheaper hotels outside of the downtown area so you'll likely want to have your own car. There are also many places worth exploring outside of the downtown area, such as the city's beautiful plantations, and some of the nearby beaches.
There is a very limited public transit system in Charleston. It includes a small number of buses that are operated by the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority. Probably the most important bus for visitors is Express Bus Route 4 that runs from the airport to the downtown Visitors Center every hour.
It's possible to catch a taxi and prices are reasonable. Your best option is to call and order a taxi in advance as it can be difficult to flag one down.
When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer from Charleston City to Charleston Cruise Port for $119 details
- Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer for $127 details
- Private Transfer from Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston Port for $127 details
How much does it cost to go to Charleston? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Charleston will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Charleston
You won't want to overlook the world-class cuisine in Charleston. Take the time to dine at local eateries and indulge in their unique specialties. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Charleston can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Charleston is $100 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$100
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Charleston is around $100 ($100) per person, with previous travelers spending from $42 to $218. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Charleston are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $30
- Lunch: $15 to $40
- Dinner: $30 to $70
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $15
Charleston has become a culinary capital of the south. Low country cuisine is popular in the city and throughout the South Carolina and Georgia coasts. It has been heavily influenced by the area's Caribbean, African, and Cajun roots. The cuisine is regional and delicious. Many restaurants make use of the local specialties and seafood dishes are quite common. Popular dishes include shrimp and grits, barbecue, and she-crab soup.
Restaurants in the downtown area can range from budget friendly to quite expensive. Cafes often have reasonably priced dishes, particularly at lunch. Seafood can get expensive but is well worth the splurge. For more budget friendly options, head outside of the touristy, downtown areas.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Why not save some bucks and enjoy the sights by having a picnic? Stop by a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful spot to enjoy your meal.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Charleston, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Undiscovered Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class for $250 details
- Hands-on Cooking Class in Charleston for $89 details
- Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours for $110 details
Food and meal prices in Charleston, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Charleston
Tourists can't resist Charleston, especially for its well-known food, historical sights, romance, and beaches.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Charleston typically cost an average of $22 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$22
Charleston has no shortage of impressive sights. Beautiful, southern churches dot the city's skyline and you can get a spectacular view of the Arthur Ravenel cable-stay bridge which was finished in 2005. There are also some interesting historic cemeteries that you can wander through.
Some of the top sights in Charleston include the Battery and White Point Gardens, Fort Sumter, the French Quarter, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Circular Congregational Church, Liberty Square, and the Waterfront Park. Simply wandering around Charleston will let you stumble into any number of historic sights. The best way to explore the city is to get lost in its details and hidden gems.
There are popular horsedrawn carriage tours that go through the downtown area. These are a fun option to learn about the history of the area. There's also a ghost tour that is a fun way to learn a little about Charleston, particularly if you have children.
If you want to do some souvenir shopping, head to the market, which has stands stocked with locally made handicrafts, regional cookbooks, and some local spices and snacks. It's definitely worth a stroll through if you've never been to the Charleston area.
Beaches:
Many visitors are drawn to Charleston for its inviting beach atmosphere. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.
Historical Sights:
Countless travelers are captivated by the old town's history. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an enjoyable experience. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Charleston. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- SMALL group Historic Walking Tours with certified guides for $30 details
- Charleston History Tour - Small Groups Only - History & Alleyways for $28 details
- Charleston Walking Tours with Ann for $75 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Charleston are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
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Patriots Point (for 2)
$60
Nightlife Budget in Charleston
Charleston provides a selection of nightlife activities, but it doesn't quite stack up to the lively scenes in other popular areas. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $36 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Charleston per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$36
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Charleston. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Charleston Women and Wine Tour for $29 details
- Spirits & Spirits (Haunted Pub Crawl) for $36 details
- Charleston Brewery District Cruise (Public Tour) for $95 details
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 1, 2025
Traveling in Charleston
A Plantation Estate near Charleston, South Carolina
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.
The city's climate is humid subtropical. The winters are mild and the summers are hot and humid. Rain can fall throughout the year, but summer tends to be the wettest season. Warm temperatures can last into November and winters are short and cool. Snow is rare but not unheard of. Hurricane season runs from the summer into the early fall.
Neighborhoods & Around
Charleston's downtown can be divided into three main sections. The residential area that is referred to as the "South of Broad" district is a residential neighborhood with interesting architecture. The "French Quarter" district is also residential but it has many historic sites as well as art galleries. These two areas sit next to each other near the tip of the peninsula that makes the downtown area. The shopping district runs along King Street between Broad and Calhoun Streets. Market Street is where you'll find the famous, open air market.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.
We always make reservations before we arrive so we can eat at the best and most reasonably priced restaurants. This is particularly helpful during the peak summer months.