Comparison · Charleston vs Savannah · United States
Charleston vs Savannah
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chris Pruitt, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Choose Charleston for Rainbow Row and Fort Sumter; choose Savannah for Historic squares and Spanish moss. Savannah is generally less expensive, and the two are about 134 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 134 km
- Less expensive
- Savannah
- Best time for Charleston
- March–May and October–November
- Best time for Savannah
- March–May and October–November
Side by side
| Charleston | Savannah | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter and Lowcountry cuisine | Historic squares, Spanish moss and Forsyth Park fountain |
| Best time to visit | March–May and October–November | March–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $220–$360 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C (91°F) | July, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 15°C (59°F) | January, 16°C (61°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Beaches | Folly Beach | Tybee Island South Beach |
| Airports | CHS | SAV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Charleston for…
Rainbow Row and Fort Sumter. Charleston sits on a narrow peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper rivers, and its historic core — from the Battery north to Marion Square — is small enough to walk in a day. Its streets of single houses with side piazzas, church steeples and gas lamps are…
Choose Savannah for…
Historic squares and Spanish moss. Savannah was laid out in 1733 on a grid of wards around public squares, and 22 of those squares survive, each shaded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The historic district runs about 2 km from the cobbled warehouses of River Street south to Forsyth Park…
Top sights compared
| # | Charleston | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Battery and White Point Garden | Forsyth Park |
| 2 | Rainbow Row | The historic squares |
| 3 | Fort Sumter National Monument | River Street and Factor's Walk |
| 4 | Charleston City Market | Bonaventure Cemetery |
| 5 | Joe Riley Waterfront Park | Owens–Thomas House and Slave Quarters |
Food compared
| Charleston | Savannah |
|---|---|
| Shrimp and grits | Shrimp and grits |
| She-crab soup | Southern fried chicken, family style |
| Lowcountry boil | Lowcountry boil |
| Oyster roast | Pralines |
Which is cheaper?
Savannah is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $220–$360 per person there, against $250–$400 in Charleston (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Savannah on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Charleston and Savannah are about 134 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Charleston and 3 in Savannah.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Charleston or Savannah cheaper?
Savannah is usually less expensive: about $220–$360 a day mid-range against $250–$400 (estimates).
+Is Charleston or Savannah better for a first trip?
Pick Charleston for Rainbow Row and Fort Sumter, or Savannah for Historic squares and Spanish moss.
+How far is Charleston from Savannah?
About 134 km in a straight line.