Charleston cost calculator

How much does a trip to Charleston really cost?

Charleston hotels are some of the priciest in the South, and 14% in taxes is added on top. Carriage tours, the Fort Sumter ferry, plantation tickets and parking are the costs most visitors forget.

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Ways to keep it down

  1. Ride the free DASH trolley around the historic district instead of driving.
  2. Visit in January or late summer, when hotel rates are usually lower.
  3. Walk the Battery, Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park, which are free.

Charleston cost questions

How much does a 3-night trip to Charleston cost for two people?

For 3 nights with flights, a hotel and food, plan on about $2,150. Once you add the costs most visitors forget, like hotel taxes, a carriage tour, the Fort Sumter ferry, plantation tickets and tips, it's closer to $3,200. Use the calculator above to change any number to match your trip.

What is the cheapest time to visit Charleston?

Winter is usually cheapest. KAYAK's hotel data shows January as the cheapest month for Charleston hotels, at about $210 a night on average, and March as the most expensive, at about $387. Source

Do you need a car in Charleston?

Not if you stay downtown. The historic district is walkable, and the DASH trolley is free. A car helps for plantations and beaches, but downtown hotels often charge about $40 a night for valet. Source

How much are hotel taxes in Charleston?

In the Charleston County part of the city, which includes downtown, lodging taxes total 14%. That's 8% in sales taxes plus 6% in state, county and city accommodations taxes. Source

How much does it cost to visit Fort Sumter?

There's no entrance fee for Fort Sumter, but the only way there is the ferry. Tickets are $35 for adults, $31 for seniors and $21 for children 4 to 11. National park passes don't cover the ferry. Source

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