Charlotte is a growing city known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. 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 Charlotte?
You should plan to spend around $225 per day on your vacation in Charlotte. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $80 on meals
- $33 on local transportation
- $236 on hotels
A one week trip to Charlotte for two people costs, on average, $3,150. 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
$1,575
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2 Weeks
Per person
$3,150
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One Month
Per person
$6,750
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One Week
For a couple
$3,150
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,300
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One Month
For a couple
$13,500
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Charlotte cost?
A one week trip to Charlotte usually costs around $1,575 for one person and $3,150 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Charlotte on average costs around $3,150 for one person and $6,300 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 Charlotte will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Charlotte on average costs around $6,750 for one person and $13,500 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Charlotte expensive to visit?
Charlotte is a small yet inviting city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
If you're not cautious, Charlotte can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $95 per day, mid-range travelers spend $225 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $480 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Charlotte.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Charlotte is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Philadelphia or Chattanooga.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Charlotte Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Charlotte?
The average Charlotte trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Charlotte travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Charlotte cost?
Charlotte on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$50
|
$118
|
$243
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$15
|
$33
|
$63
|
|
Food 2
|
$32
|
$80
|
$186
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$19
|
$43
|
$78
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-13
|
$10-30
|
$19-57
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Charlotte on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $95 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
So, are you average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Charlotte wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $225 per person, per day.
In Charlotte, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. SpringHill Suites Charlotte Ballantyne is a fantastic option for families, and Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Charlotte here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $480 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Charlotte Douglas Airport to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Charlotte
In Charlotte, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $119 and peak summer season rising to an average of $222. Prices typically range from $83 to $317, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Charlotte for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $236. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $118 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Charlotte include:
- The Duke Mansion starting at $250
- The Ballantyne a Luxury Collection Hotel Charlotte starting at $289
- The Ivey's Hotel starting at $234
- Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel starting at $246
- Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel starting at $173
The effecient public transportation in Charlotte allows for cheaper accommodations outside the city, but commuting might take a bite out of your travel budget and time.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Charlotte
Charlotte's public transit system connects to several major sights. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town. To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.
You'll find that parts of Charlotte are quite pedestrian-friendly, making sightseeing a breeze. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $33 per person, per day, on local transportation in Charlotte. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Charlotte is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$33
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $133 details
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) for $54 details
- Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car for $131 details
How much does it cost to go to Charlotte? 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte
The food scene in Charlotte is solid, but it's not usually the main tourist attraction. However, there are some charming eateries in the city that you should check out. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Charlotte can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Charlotte is $80 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$80
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Charlotte is around $80 ($80) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $186. 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 Charlotte are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $24
- Lunch: $12 to $32
- Dinner: $24 to $56
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
Charlotte has a diverse range of restaurants that represent many different ethnicities and cuisine types. There are restaurants that offer the typical southern favorites such as grits, sweet potatoes, and barbecue, but there are also contemporary and modern restaurants that have eclectic or high end selections. Ethnic food in the area includes Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese, Ethiopian, Greek, and much more.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
Typical food prices in Charlotte, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Charlotte
Tourists are naturally attracted to Charlotte due to its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Charlotte typically cost an average of $43 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.
$43
There are a handful of good museums and historic sights in Charlote. The Mint Museum has two locations. At these museums you'll find art and history based exhibits as well as various traveling exhibits. Discovery Place is in Uptown and is one of the top children's museums in the country. Also worth a visit are Levine Museum of the New South and Carolinas Aviation Museum. James K Polk Historic Site has a memorial to the president and a museum that is worth visiting.
Charlotte has grown into a cultural hub for the state. There are many theaters and coliseums in town that host shows, concerts, and live performances. The largest venue in town is Verizon Wireless Amphitheater but other options include Bojangles Coliseum, Memorial Stadium, the Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Actor's Theater of Charlotte, and Blumenthal and Spirit Square, among many others.
NASCAR is a popular sport in town. The Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts events regularly and the city is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and headquarters. Other sports in the area include the Carolina Panthers, the Bobcats, and the minor league Charlotte Knights baseball team.
A nice way to explore destinations in Charlotte is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. 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:
- 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress for $59 details
- Big Bite Brew Tour in Charlotte's LoSo District for $150 details
- Private Picnic Experience in the Queen City for $249 details
Nightlife Budget in Charlotte
In Charlotte, you can find some nightlife options, but it isn't as lively as in other more popular tourist spots. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $20 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Charlotte per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Charlotte. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte for $39 details
- The Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience for $150 details
- Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour for $48 details
Traveling in Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolona
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.
Charlote is located in central North Carolina. The climate is similar to that found elsewhere in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. There are four distinct seasons with short but cool winters and hot and humid summers. Snow falls occasionally but freezing rain is much more common. Thunderstorms are frequent during the summer months.
Neighborhoods & Around
Charlotte has many districts and neighborhoods. The city center is referred to as "Uptown". This is the central district and where you will find many businesses, museums, theaters, nightclubs, restaurants, and more recently, high rise condos.
North of Davidson Street (NoDa) is an eclectic area that is the Historic Arts District. This area is about two miles north of Uptown.
South End is near Uptown along the corridor of Tryon St. and South Blvd. It has grown into a somewhat upscale entertainment area.
Myers Park is a beautiful area that is home to "old money". The neighborhood has large, beautiful trees and impressive homes. It's also where you'll find Queens University and Freedom Park.
Dilworth is the city's first "streetcar suburb". It's an upscale area with a lot of character. There are art galleries, restaurants, and quaint homes.
Other neighborhoods in the city include Plaza-Midwood, South Park, Elizabeth, University City, East Charlotte, Ballantyne, and the Historic West End.
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.