Does food taste different when cooked on a propane grill versus a charcoal grill?

My Dad used to always grill food on the weekends, and I LOVED enjoying the steak and the unique taste of the burgers (made me NEVER want a fried burger again!), I'm in college now and living away from home and my parents gave me the money to buy a small portable grill. My Dad said I should get charcoal, but my mom says I should get propane. Which one is easier to use? Will the food taste different on the propane grill? (My Dad cooked food on a charcoal grill, is why I ask, also I think I'm leaning more towards the propane grill IF the food tastes the same, it seems easier to clean up).