Travel Budget for South Carolina Visit South Carolina on a Budget or Travel in Style

South Carolina, United States of America
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South Carolina is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. 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.

How much does it cost to travel to South Carolina?

You should plan to spend around $242 per day on your vacation in South Carolina. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $88 on meals
  • $33 on local transportation
  • $193 on hotels

A one week trip to South Carolina for two people costs, on average, $3,388. 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $242
  • One Week Per person
    $1,694
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,388
  • One Month Per person
    $7,260
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,388
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,776
  • One Month For a couple
    $14,520
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to South Carolina cost?

A one week trip to South Carolina usually costs around $1,694 for one person and $3,388 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to South Carolina on average costs around $3,388 for one person and $6,776 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 South Carolina will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to South Carolina on average costs around $7,260 for one person and $14,520 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is South Carolina expensive to visit?

South Carolina is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

Although South Carolina can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $118 per day, mid-range travelers spend $242 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $512 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to South Carolina.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, South Carolina is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is South Carolina Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to South Carolina?

The average South Carolina trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these South Carolina travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to South Carolina cost?

South Carolina on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$39 $96 $224
Local Transportation1 $13 $33 $76
Food2 $37 $88 $194
Entertainment1 $10 $25 $64
Alcohol2 $6-19 $15-44 $32-96

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in South Carolina, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

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 $118 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.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

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. Most visitors to South Carolina will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $242 per person, per day.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $512 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range.

Accommodation Budget in South Carolina

The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in South Carolina can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in South Carolina in the off-season is $, but in the peak travel season it will average around $. In general, you can expect hotel prices in South Carolina to range from $ to $. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in South Carolina for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $193. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $96 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $96
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $193

Hotels in South Carolina

Looking for a hotel in South Carolina? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in South Carolina

By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.



Transportation Budget in South Carolina

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $33 per person, per day, on local transportation in South Carolina. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in South Carolina is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $33

South Carolina is serviced by several airports. The largest in the state is Charleston International, featuring flights all along the east coast. There are also decent sized airports in Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Greenville as well as a few smaller regional airports in Florence and Hilton Head.

By train, Amtrak has multiple routes that pass through the state. The Silver Service and Palmetto trains follow a route from New York City to Florida stopping in Florence, Columbia, Charleston, and a few smaller towns along the way. The Crescent Train takes its route from New York City to New Orleans and calls in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Clemson.

By car, South Carolina is served by five interstate highways: I-85 in the northwest, I-26 in the southeast, I-20 near Columbia, I-95 along the east coast, and I-77 which comes in from Charlotte in North Carolina.

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $167 details
  • Greenville to Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) - Departure Private Transfer for $84 details
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Arrival Private Transfer for $84 details

Recommended Services


Flights to South Carolina
How much does it cost to go to South Carolina? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in South Carolina
The price of renting a car in South Carolina 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 South Carolina

Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in South Carolina can vary significantly, the average cost of food in South Carolina is $88 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $88

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in South Carolina is around $88 ($88) per person, with previous travelers spending from $37 to $194. 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 South Carolina are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $26
  • Lunch: $13 to $35
  • Dinner: $26 to $62
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $13

South Carolina, like most of the southern United States, is known for its home cooking, soul food, and barbeque. Most of the BBQ in South Carolina consists of tangy mustard-based sauces on pulled pork or chicken, and since BBQ is one of the staples it is the only state that boasts 4 distinct styles of sauces: mustard, vinegar, heavy tomato and light tomato. Along the coast, the cuisine is highly influenced by French and creole cooking with many fresh seafood options. Major cities, of course, will have just about any kind of international food you can think of, but low-country home-style comfort food remains the native favorite of the state. Sweet tea is also very popular and readily available just about anywhere, another main staple of the southern U.S.

Food & Dining Tips

Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.

Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in South Carolina, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Hilton Head Island Pirates and Pizza Tour for $55 details
  • Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class for $250 details
  • Hands-on Cooking Class in Charleston for $89 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in South Carolina

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in South Carolina typically cost an average of $25 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.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $25

From bustling cities, historic landmarks, and cultural museums to backcountry mountains, sprawling beaches, and quaint low-country towns, South Carolina has a spread of sights laid abundantly across its diverse terrain.

Myrtle Beach is one of the top destinations in the United States when it comes to pristine beach locations. Not only are there miles of sandy shores, but there is also plenty of opportunity for shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor water parks. Hilton Head Island also offers a beach experience, though more peaceful, away from the crowds attracted to Myrtle Beach.

Charleston remains the historic port city of charm in South Carolina. With cobbled street and restored architecture, a few of its top sights include the historic district, Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the South Carolina Aquarium.

Huntington Beach State Park with 300 bird species offers a naturalist's paradise along the coastline, while Caesars Head State Park offers another kind of utopia inland with trails, overlooks, and rivers amongst the mountains.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular places to visit in South Carolina. This vacation town is just north of Savannah, and has a long and beautiful stretch of beach. Golf, tennis, and watersports are also popular here. Find a great place to stay on Hilton Head for your family vacation with our suggestions.

And then there are South Carolina's beautiful plantations. While the state is home to more than 2,000 historic homes and stunning grounds, some of the best to tour are located in and around the Charleston area.



Activities throughout the state range far and wide from outdoor adventures in the countryside, to exploring historic cities, beach fronting, and hopping museums across the capital. In Columbia, the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to over 2,000 animals, representing more than 350 species. From African lions to Siberian tigers, giraffes, zebras, and grizzly bears, the place is full of unique habitats that cater to each animal. Demonstrations are held daily, the botanical gardens cover a beautiful 70 acres, and there are even zip lines, a rock-climbing wall, carousel, and vertical ropes course for kids to find their inner monkeys.

The South Carolina State Museum in Columbia is probably the best as far as museums go. The four-floor exhibit space features educational hands-on exhibits, a science theatre, a planetarium, and changing exhibits that highlight natural history, science and technology, art, and culture, as they relate to South Carolina. The Dupont Planetarium in Aiken is also a popular educational activity with both programs on astronomy and nature's other wonders.

Swimming, water sports, lounging, and sunbathing are popular activities anywhere along the coast, especially on Myrtle Beach-though Hilton Head Island is a quieter, classier location for the same.

And then there are the mountains. On the western side of the state, there is much opportunity for backpacking, camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching amongst the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many scenic overlooks and gorgeous views, plus prospects for geocaching, if treasure hunting is your thing.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore South Carolina. 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:

  • Charleston History Tour - Small Groups Only - History & Alleyways for $28 details
  • Charleston Walking Tours with Ann for $75 details
  • 8pm Holy City Hauntings Tour for $33 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in South Carolina

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $30 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in South Carolina per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $30
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in South Carolina. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Charleston Women and Wine Tour for $29 details
  • Charleston Bar Hunt: Charleston Chase Bar Crawl for $13 details
  • Haunted Pub Crawl for the Broken-Hearted for $35 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Mar 26, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for South Carolina

  • During , the destination experiences higher prices and larger crowds. To keep your expenses down and enjoy a calmer visit, consider traveling during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Embracing a slower travel style can save you money, allowing you to enjoy the stunning sights at a leisurely pace. If your schedule is jam-packed with activities, you can quickly rack up expenses. Slowing down not only enhances your experience but often reduces costs as well.

Budgeting Challenges

  • In South Carolina, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider renting a car or scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • South Carolina isn't a major hub for hostels, so if you're expecting to stay in a cheap dorm, you might need to rethink your plans. Opting for a budget hotel or an apartment rental could be a smarter choice.
Traveling in South Carolina
South Carolina Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The U.S. state of South Carolina is a part of the American South-rich in all the culture, cuisine, and countryside that make up the region. From the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains to a stunning coastline with many charming towns in between, the landscape of South Carolina is full of things to do and see. There are many great opportunities to dive into the past while indulging in the culture that thrives today.



Regions

The capital and largest city in South Carolina is Columbia. Located in the center of the state, it is home to The University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, a zoo, and many museums that celebrate the art, culture, and history of the region. If you seek a metropolis lost to time, Charleston is perhaps South Carolina's best known historic port city. The oldest and second-largest city in the state, Charleston embodies that sense of southern charm and hospitality with beautifully restored homes and churches, cobblestone streets, hidden gardens, and a thriving culinary scene. Georgetown is another historic port, Hilton Head remains a top golfing destination, and Myrtle Beach boasts 60 miles of sandy beaches, resorts, historic landmarks, shopping, and entertainment. Other popular stops include Greenville, Florence, Beaufort, and others.

Related:

Looking for a party hostel in Las Vegas or San Diego? Traveling alone to NYC or LA? Want a budget hostel in San Francisco?

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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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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