A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. The Hamptons for Nightlife, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Asheville or The Hamptons?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and The Hamptons. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a opulent, lavish, and wealthy beach destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Asheville and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Asheville or The Hamptons?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and The Hamptons are popular destinations, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while The Hamptons attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and shopping. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate. The Hamptons is famous for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Asheville different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between The Hamptons and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or The Hamptons? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and The Hamptons can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

The Hamptons is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.


Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville is a great destination for nightlife. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Asheville know how to have a good time. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Music?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville is a great destination for live music. However, The Hamptons is not a live music destination.

Asheville has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

The Hamptons is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Asheville
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in The Hamptons to choose from. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.


Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Asheville
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a good destination for the beache. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

The Hamptons offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for its Old Town?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its historic old town. However, The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.


Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or The Hamptons?

Asheville
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in The Hamptons make it a world-class shopping destination. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Christmas?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, The Hamptons does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

The Hamptons does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, The Hamptons does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

The Hamptons does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Asheville is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville and The Hamptons both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

The Hamptons is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville is a great destination for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.


Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Students?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville is a great destination for students. However, The Hamptons is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

The Hamptons is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or The Hamptons Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Asheville or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Asheville
The Hamptons

Asheville and The Hamptons both are nice when exploring on foot.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable mountain town. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or The Hamptons?

Both Asheville and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Asheville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than The Hamptons. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Asheville than The Hamptons. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Asheville that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than The Hamptons if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Asheville.


  • How many days in Asheville or The Hamptons? Ideal Length of Stay
    Asheville 2-3 
    The Hamptons 3-7

One day in Asheville or The Hamptons?

In Asheville, many people enjoy the live music and food that this outdoorsy mountain town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the beach destination of The Hamptons. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or The Hamptons?

Asheville is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the opulent destination of The Hamptons. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or The Hamptons?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the open-minded destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find nightlife and food around the wealthy beach destination of The Hamptons. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer.


A week in Asheville or The Hamptons?

Asheville is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The Hamptons is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hamptons, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons or Asheville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Asheville is $133, while the average daily cost in The Hamptons is $223. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Asheville and The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asheville $89
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asheville $178
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in Asheville and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in Asheville or The Hamptons? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Asheville


Hotels in The Hamptons


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Asheville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asheville $14
    The Hamptons $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Asheville or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons and Asheville change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Asheville $33
    The Hamptons $60
Typical Food Prices in Asheville

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Asheville:


  • Biltmore Estate Entrance Fee
    $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Asheville

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Asheville.

  • 1-HR cooking class: $40
  • Electric Bike Tour of Asheville's Best Pizza: $98
  • Best Pizza E-bike Tour: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asheville $16
    The Hamptons $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Asheville

Here are a few typical costs in Asheville for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Massage
    $40

Tours and Activities in Asheville

Here are a few actual costs in Asheville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Downtown Asheville Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Asheville Historic Highlights: Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Drive Tour w/ Audio Guide: $9.99
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Driving Audio Tour (Asheville ↔ Roanoke): $12
  • Asheville Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Gem Mining and Goat Farm Walking Tour in Hendersonville: $26
  • Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour : $27
  • Asheville Ghost Tour: A Walk Through Riverside Cemetery & Montford Neighborhood: $27
  • Historic Music Scene Walking Tour in Asheville: $30
  • Asheville Tubing Adventure : $35
  • Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Amazing Asheville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asheville $16
    The Hamptons $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Asheville

Also in Asheville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Skip the Line: Copper Barrel's Premium Distillery Tour & Tasting: $10
  • Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $39
  • Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Samples: $65
  • Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour: $69
  • Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville: $69
  • Electric Bike Brewery Crawl of Asheville: $74
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $99
  • Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in The Hamptons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hamptons than you might in Asheville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is The Hamptons Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Asheville or The Hamptons?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and The Hamptons, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Asheville or The Hamptons?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Asheville or The Hamptons in the Summer?

Both The Hamptons and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Asheville is generally a little warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in The Hamptons. It's quite rainy in Asheville. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Asheville 82°F (28°C) 
    The Hamptons 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Asheville or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and Asheville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

Asheville is a little warmer than The Hamptons in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Asheville usually gets more rain in October than The Hamptons. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Asheville 64°F (18°C) 
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Asheville or The Hamptons in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and The Hamptons. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hamptons. In the winter, Asheville is much warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Asheville 44°F (7°C) 
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Asheville or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Asheville as well as The Hamptons. Many travelers come to Asheville for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Asheville is generally much warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than The Hamptons. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Asheville 64°F (18°C) 
    The Hamptons 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Asheville

Asheville The Hamptons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Feb 47°F (8°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 55°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 47°F (8°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)