A Travel Price Comparison for Massachusetts Cape Cod vs. Martha's Vineyard for Resorts, Couples, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a wealthy, maritime, and beautiful beach destination. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and resorts, while Cape Cod attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Martha's Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs.

How is Cape Cod different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard is adequate for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard can be an enjoyable experience.

Cape Cod has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Martha's Vineyard doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Is Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard both offer excellent beaches.

Many people visit Cape Cod for it's beautiful beaches. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Is Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, and they are nice.

Cape Cod offers some nice hiking trails. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Martha's Vineyard is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Is Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cape Cod. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for romance.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Is Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard are nice when it comes to walkability.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Cod Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

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

Couples should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Cape Cod. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Martha's Vineyard that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Cape Cod 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 Martha's Vineyard.

One day in Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard offers shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?

Cape Cod is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard is more expensive. And not only is Cape Cod much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cape Cod would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Cod 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 Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard than you might in Cape Cod.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Cod Expensive? and Is Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

Cape Cod is cooler than Martha's Vineyard in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during summer. Cape Cod gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cape Cod is around the same temperature as Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Cod in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cape Cod often gets less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Cape Cod gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. In January, Cape Cod is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 31°F (-0°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Cape Cod usually receives less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during winter. Cape Cod gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Martha's Vineyard. Many visitors come to Cape Cod in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Cape Cod is cooler than Martha's Vineyard in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Cod this time of the year. In the spring, Cape Cod often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Cape Cod gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the spring. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod